Number: PEER.A.10.030

Within the initial two-year term and prior to participation in any institutional evaluation, a Peer Reviewer must participate in HLC training or professional development that educates the Peer Reviewer in the application of HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and HLC policies and the specific processes integral to HLC evaluations. Peer Reviewers must complete training at least every three years thereafter or within two years after any major initiative such as the adoption of new Criteria for Accreditation.

Such training may be customized for the specific role the Peer Reviewer undertakes in HLC’s evaluation process, including training in preparation for a role in HLC’s decision-making or appeals processes. Training for Peer Reviewers will regularly include a segment on evaluating distance and correspondence education.

Training may take place through in-person events or electronic mechanisms that will allow the Peer Reviewer to complete the training program and HLC to assess the Peer Reviewer’s completion of the training material.

Policy History

Last Revised: November 2012 
First Adopted: February 1994 
Revision History: October 2003, February 2004, February 2010, November 2012 
Notes: Policies combined in November 2012 – 6.3. In February 2021, references to the Higher Learning Commission as “the Commission” were replaced with the term “HLC.”