Spark institution-wide change that leads to improved student outcomes with HLC’s Academies. In these multi-year programs, learn evidence-based strategies that support sustainable institutional improvement.

Designed and led by experienced practitioners, the Academies provide a framework and guidance for institutions to address leading areas of concern in higher ed. The programs are adaptive to the needs of the wide range of institutional types served by HLC and support improvement within the context of an institution’s mission, vision and goals.

HLC currently offers two multi-year Academy tracks: assessment of student learning and student success.   

Academy participation can serve multiple different institutional objectives. On the Open Pathway, Academy participation may serve as the Quality Initiative for the institution (dependent on year of application). The Academies may be completed in conjunction with other programs from nonprofits or to meet locally mandated initiatives. You can choose to focus Academy Projects on addressing areas for improvement. Learn more about using the Academy as the Quality Initiative.

Assessment Academy

Refine or develop a systematic approach to assessing student learning at the institutional and program levels. Get new ideas and techniques for influencing institutional culture, increasing capacity for assessment at your institution and using your data to improve student learning.

Student Success Academy

Move beyond initiative-based solutions and develop a student success plan that addresses systemic barriers to students achieving their goals. Engage in critical introspection to learn more about your student populations and the support mechanisms, infrastructure, and engagement needed to support their success.

Academy Features and Benefits

Throughout the multi-year Academy experience, institutions receive access to:

• In-person and virtual events that serve as team retreats, with dedicated time to connect and plan

• Expert, tailored guidance from practitioners and scholars.

• Access to SparQ—HLC’s platform for documenting your Academy progress and building a network of support.
• Webinars and virtual consultations providing program support and research findings on promising practices.
• Opportunities to network and share promising practices with institutions from across the HLC region.

Mentors and Scholars

Academy Mentors are experienced leaders in assessment and student success efforts at a variety of institution types. Each team is assigned a Mentor that provides detailed, constructive advice on developing and implementing an academy project. 

Teams also work closely with a Scholar, a subject matter expert who has designed the curriculum for Academy events.  

Shared Learning Experience

The Academy offers opportunities to collaborate and share ideas with higher ed professionals at other institutions. Institutions are able to interact with their fellow cohort members and other Academy teams at Academy in-person and virtual events, at HLC’s annual conference and through SparQ.