Application Information

Eligibility

The Academies are open to all institutions accredited by HLC. The curriculum is designed to benefit institutions of all types, from community colleges to large universities. Institutions at all stages of the improvement process are encouraged to apply.

For institutions on the Standard Pathway, or for Open Pathway institutions choosing not to use the Academy as their Quality Initiative, applications can be submitted at any time during an accreditation cycle.

For institutions on the Open Pathway that are using Academy participation as their Quality Initiative, applications must be submitted between spring of Year 3 and fall of Year 7 in the pathway cycle. Participation must commence between Years 4 and 8 to fulfill the Quality Initiative requirement. Note: The Academy application review replaces the traditional Quality Initiative Proposal review process.

Criteria for Selection to the Academy

Institutions applying to the Academy are evaluated and selected according to their demonstrated fulfillment of the following criteria:

1. Need prompted by current opportunities, challenges or barriers to assessment of student learning or student success.
2. Evidence that Academy participation would be significant and challenging to the institution and could result in broad, meaningful impact on assessment of student learning or student success.
3. Alignment of Academy participation goals with the strategic priorities of the institution.
4. Expectations, commitment level and desired results appropriate to the purposes and intent of the Academy.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the HLC staff. Applicants will be notified no later than one month after the application deadline.

The admissions panel may accept the institution into the Academy for the upcoming class, recommend entrance in a later class, deny the institution admission into the Academy, or request that the institution resubmit its application if further information is needed.

Letter of Agreement

An institution selected to join the Academy will be asked to sign a Letter of Agreement accepting the terms of the Academy. This letter outlines the institution’s commitments to the Academy and HLC’s commitments to the institution. The letter also addresses any expectations pertaining to the institution’s accreditation relationship with HLC. If changes in the accreditation relationship occur during the institution’s Academy participation, the Letter of Agreement will be amended to reflect those changes.