January 2025 Actions

Institutional Actions Council

The Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Actions Council took the following actions on January 6–7, 2025.

Arizona

Certificate Program Approval

Arizona Western College, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Foundational Planning, Procurement, and Service Operations (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0203)
  • Overview of Supply Chain Principles with U.S.-Mexico Border Emphasis (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0203)
  • Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician Level 1 (Pre-Associates Certificate, 7 credit hours, CIP code 47.0614)
  • Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety (Pre-Associates Certificate, 6 credit hours, CIP code 47.0614)

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Maricopa Community Colleges-Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix, AZ

Approval of Request for Change

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (78 credit hours, CIP code 51.2306).

Maricopa Community Colleges-Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to increase the credit hours for the Certificate in Commercial Interior Design (CIP code 50.0408) from 21 to 60 credit hours.

Pima County Community College District, Tucson, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Basic Business Certificate (30 credit hours, CIP code: 52.0299) – Prison Education Program at Arizona State Prison Complex, 10000 South Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85756, in the following modality: distance education.

The School of Architecture, Scottsdale, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to close the main campus at 6433 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, and re-open at 7610 E. McDonald Dr., Suite G, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.

Arkansas

Certificate Program Approval

North Arkansas College, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Energy Management (Pre-Associates Certificate, 35 credit hours, CIP code 15.1701)

Financial Indicator Panel

Lyon College, Batesville, AR

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Approval of Request for Change

Crowley’s Ridge College, Paragould, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (120 credit hours, CIP code 42.0101).

Colorado

Certificate Program Approval

College for Financial Planning, Inc., CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804)
  • Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Specialist (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804)
  • Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA) (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804)
  • Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA) (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804)
  • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804)
  • Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional (ABFP) (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804)

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO

Approval of Request for Change

Aims Community College, Greeley, CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Certificate in Police Officer Academy (CIP code 43.0107) through a contractual arrangement with Flatrock Regional Training Center.
• Approved the institution’s request to decrease the credit hours for the Certificate in Flight Instructor Airplane (CIP code 49.0102) from 34 to 5 credit hours.

Trinidad State College, Trinidad, CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education programs (PEP): Associate of Arts (60 credit hours, CIP code 24.0101), Associate of Applied Technology (60 credit hours, CIP code 41.9999), Associate of General Studies (60 credit hours, CIP code 24.0102) – Prison Education Programs at Youthful Offender System (YOS), 1300 West 17th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003 in the following modalities: in-person and distance education.

Illinois

Certificate Program Approval

City Colleges of Chicago-Olive Harvey College, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Urban Agriculture Studies (Pre-Associates Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 01.0000)
  • Urban Science (Pre-Associates Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 45.1201)

Loyola University of Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Certificate of Health Professions Education and Leadership (Specialist, 13 credit hours, CIP code 51.3204).

Focused Visit

Judson University, Elgin, IL

• Affirmed that the institution is addressing the concerns related to ascertaining the appropriateness of the approval and the institution’s fulfillment of any commitments made in the Change of Control application and ongoing compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation, with specific focus on Core Component 5.B.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL

Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL

Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL

Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville, IL

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL

Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Approval of Request for Change

Danville Area Community College, Danville, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Sciences in Speech Language Pathology Assistant (63 credit hours, CIP code 51.0203).

Greenville University, Greenville, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (120 credit hours, CIP code 11.0101).

Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the joint Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science in Vision Research (54.5 credit hours, CIP code 51.1701).

Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.0904).

Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Postsecondary non-degree in Combination Welding as a credit-based competency-based education program (30 credit hours, CIP code 48.0508).

Indiana

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

American College of Education, Indianapolis, IN

Iowa

Approval of Request for Change

Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, IA

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): Associate in Arts – Prison Education Program at Iowa Correctional Institution for Women, 420 Mill St. SW, Mitchellville, IA 50169 in the following modalities: in-person and distance education.
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): Associate in Arts – Prison Education Program at Newton Correctional Facility, 307 S. 60th Ave W, Newton, IA 50208 in the following modalities: in-person and distance education.

Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, IA

• Approved the instituion’s request to offer the Diploma in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning as a credit-based competency-based education program (44 credit hours, CIP code 47.0201).

Kansas

Certificate Program Approval

Coffeyville Community College, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Commercial Driver’s License (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 49.0205)

Kansas Wesleyan University, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • The Heartland RIFT – Rodale Farmers Training Program (Bachelor, 16 credit hours, CIP code 01.0308)

Wichita State University, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Criminal Intelligence (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 15 credit hours, CIP code 43.0104)

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Cowley College, Arkansas City, KS

Emporia State University, Emporia, KS

Comprehensive Evaluation

Manhattan Area Technical College, Manhattan, KS

• Accepted the team report and continued the institution’s accreditation.

Assurance Review

Hesston College, Hesston, KS

• Accepted the team report and continued the institution’s accreditation.

Staff Recommendation

Independence Community College, KS

• Accepted the staff recommendation

Financial Indicator Panel

Southwestern College, Winfield, KS

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings

Approval of Request for Change

Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Overland Park, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to close the main campus at 6601 Monticello Road, Shawnee, KS 666226, and re-open at 8620 W 110th St., Overland Park, KS 66210.

Donnelly College, Kansas City, KS

• Approved the institution’s request for an aggregate change of 25% or more in program content for the Certificate in Info Technology since the last accreditation review.

Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to open two additional locations:
• Water Well Location, 2400 East Water Well Road, Salina, KS 67401
• Quail Creek Location, 3504 East Magnolia Road, Salina, KS 67401

Manhattan Area Technical College, Manhattan, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to open three additional locations:
  • Manhattan Tech Fort Riley Technical Skills Center, 240 Beeman Pl., Fort Riley, KS 66442
  • Wamego High School USD 320, 801 Lincoln Avenue, Wamego, KS 66547
  • Geary County USD 476, 1100 Blue Jay Way, Junction City, KS 66441.

University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer a Master of Science in Project Management as a direct assessment competency-based education program (33 credit hours, CIP code 52.0211).

Michigan

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI

Approval of Request for Change

Baker College, Owosso, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Biology (120 credit hours, CIP code 26.0101).

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (121 semester hours, CIP code 14.0101).

Charles Stewart Mott Community College, Flint, MI

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan to teach out students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program.

Minnesota

Comprehensive Evaluation

Red Lake Nation College, Red Lake, MN

• Accepted the team report and continued the institution’s accreditation.

Saint Paul College-A Community & Technical College, Saint Paul, MN

• Accepted the team report and continued the institution’s accreditation.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN

White Earth Tribal & Community College, Mahnomen, MN

Approval of Request for Change

Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Medical Science (36 credit hours, CIP code 51.9999).

Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility – Elementary Education as a credit-based competency-based education program (120 credit hours, CIP code 13.1202).

University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to increase the credit hours for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (CIP code 42.2803) from 48 to 60 credit hours.

Missouri

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Global University, Springfield, MO

Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO

Approval of Request for Change

Webster University, St. Louis, MO

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan for a teach out of 10 additional locations:
  • Fort Leonard Wood, 4904 Constitution Ave., Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473
  • Andrews Air Force Base, 316 MSS/DPE, 1413 Arkansas Road, Anders AFB, Maryland 20762
  • Fort Belvoir, Room 143, Barden Education Center, 9625 Belvoir Rd., Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060
  • Fort Jackson, PO Box 10328, Columbia, SC 29207
  • Fort Liberty, Education Center Building 1-3571, Wing B Room 101, Fort Liberty, NC 28307
  • Fort Sill, 4700 Mow-Way Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503
  • Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Education Services Center, Building 208, 301 B Street West, Randolph AFB, TX 78150
  • Little Rock Air Force Base, 1490 Vandenberg Drive, Jacksonville, AR 72078
  • Scott Air Force Base, 375 FSS/FSDE, 404 W. Martin St., Room 78, Scott AFB, IL 62225
  • Southwestern Illinois College, 2500 Carlyle Avenue, Belleville, IL 62221

Nebraska

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health, Omaha, NE

Approval of Request for Change

Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Arts in Sport Management (36 credit hours, CIP code 31.0504).
• Approved the institution’s request to change the length of traditional terms from 10-18 weeks to 11 weeks.

Chadron State College,Chadron, NE

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Education Specialist in Mental Health and Addictions (30 credit hours, CIP code 51.1508).

New Mexico

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Western New Mexico University, Silver City, NM

Approval of Request for Change

Southeast New Mexico College, Carlsbad, NM

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: Carlsbad High School, 3000 W Church St., Carlsbad, NM 88220.

North Dakota

Certificate Program Approval

Williston State College, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Emergency Medical Technician (Pre-Associates Certificate, 8 credit hours, CIP code 51.0904)
  • Medical Assistant (Pre-Associates Certificate, 42 credit hours, CIP code 51.0801)
  • Medical Administrative Professional (Pre-Associates Certificate, 36 credit hours, CIP code 51.0716)
  • Medical Billing and Coding (Pre-Associates Certificate, 39 credit hours, CIP code 51.0713)
  • Phlebotomy (Pre-Associates Certificate, 7 credit hours, CIP code 51.1009)

Approval of Request for Change

Bismarck State College, Bismarck, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (91 credit hours, CIP code 51.0602).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.0601).

Ohio

Focused Visit

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Cincinnati, OH

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to faculty, program review, assessment of student learning, governance and planning.

Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, OH

• Affirmed that the institution is addressing the concerns related to sufficient board autonomy, resource base, and systematic and integrated planning and improvement.

Financial Indicator Panel

Central State University, Wilberforce, OH

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Hiram College, Hiram, OH

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH

Approval of Request for Change

Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Ministry in Evangelization and Catechetics (50 credit hours, CIP code 39.0401).

Antioch University, Yellow Springs, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with a concentration in Literary Translation, as a credit-based competency-based education program (48 credit hours, CIP code 23.1302).

Oklahoma

Financial Indicator Panel

Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, OK

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Western Oklahoma State College, Altus, OK

Approval of Request for Change

Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (56 credit hours, CIP code 51.0203).

South Dakota

Certificate Program Approval

Lake Area Technical College, SD

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Medical Assisting (Pre-Associates Certificate (43 credit hours, CIP code 51.0801)
  • Conservation Law Enforcement Certificate (12 credit hours, CIP code 43.0107)
  • Uncrewed Aerial Systems Certificate (Pre-Associates Certificate, 18 credit hours, CIP code 36.0207)

Focused Visit

Sisseton Wahpeton College, Sisseton, SD

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to governance.

West Virginia

Financial Indicator Panel

Wheeling University, Wheeling, WV

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Approval of Request for Change

Catholic International University, Charles Town, WV

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Prudential Design of Emerging Technologies (30 credit hours, CIP code 11.0105).

BridgeValley Community and Technical College, South Charleston, WV

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Machine Tool Technology (CIP code 48.0501) through a contractual arrangement with Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Mountwest Community & Technical College, Huntington, WV

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science and Certificate in Medical Assistant (60 and 33 credit hours, CIP code 51.0800) as a credit-based competency-based education program.

University of Charleston, Charleston, WV

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan to teach out students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program, including a teach-out arrangement with West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV).

Denial of Request for Change

Appalachian Bible College, Mt. Hope, WV

• Denied  the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education programs (PEP): Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology, Associate of Arts in Bible and Theology, Certificate in Bible and Theology– Prison Education Program at Lakin Correctional Center and Jail 11264 Ohio River Road, West Columbia, WV 25287 in the following modality: in-person

• Denied the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education programs (PEP): Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology, Associate of Arts in Bible and Theology, Certificate in Bible and Theology – Prison Education Program at Mount Olive Correctional Complex, 1 Mountainside Way, Mt. Olive, WV 25185 in the following modality: in-person.

Wisconsin

Certificate Program Approval

Marquette University, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Cross-Categorical Special Education Grades K-12 (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 15 credit hours, CIP code 13.1001)

University of Wisconsin – River Falls, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Graduate Certificate- School Superintendent (Master, 30 credit hours, CIP code 13.0411)

Financial Indicator Panel

Beloit College, Beloit, WI

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, WI

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Western Technical College, La Crosse, WI

Approval of Request for Change

Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to open three additional locations:

• New Berlin Eisenhower High School, 4333 S Sunny Slope Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151

• Greenfield High School, 4800 S 60th St., Greenfield, WI 53220

• Wauwatosa East High School, 7500 Milwaukee Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan to teach out the additional location: UW Waukesha, 1500 N University Dr, Waukesha, WI 53188.