North Star

As higher ed is facing a rapid rate of change, HLC’s next strategic plan, North Star may not be a 5-year plan. HLC is planning North Star based on guiding themes and influenced by Agile approaches.

Themes

Over the years, HLC’s strategic plans have consistently focused on four major themes:

Students
Change
Outreach
Value 

Our work on North Star may cluster under one or more of these themes, and it will adjust to changing needs and priorities over time.

Timeline

HLC staff members are drafting the goals and priorities for North Star with member feedback.

• February 2026: HLC seeks Board Approval for North Star goals and priorities.
• March 2026: HLC’s President Barbara Gellman-Danley discusses North Star priorities during her Welcome Address at Higher Learning 2026.
• November 2026: HLC’s Board of Trustees finalizes the North Star strategic plan.

Check back for more information in the coming months!