January 2026 Actions

Institutional Actions Council

The Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Actions Council took the following actions on January 12-13, 2026.

Arizona

Certificate Program Approvals

Arizona Western College, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the follow certificate programs:
  • Global Supply Operations (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0203).
  • Sustainability Supply Chain (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 52.0203).
  • Barber Apprenticeship: Part 1 (Pre-Associates Certificate, 8 credit hours, CIP code 12.0402).
  • Barber Apprenticeship: Part 2 (Pre-Associates Certificate, 12 credit hours, CIP code 12.0402).

Yavapai College, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the follow certificate program:
  • HVAC Service Technician Certificate (Pre-Associates Certificate, 24 credit hours, CIP code 47.0201).

Approval of Request for Change

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following educational programs:
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (120 credit hours, CIP code 52.2001).
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership (33 credit hours, CIP code 51.3801).
  • Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.1105).

Arkansas

Certificate Program Approvals

Arkansas Northeastern College, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the follow certificate programs:
  • Certificate of Proficiency: Patient Care Technician (Pre-Associates Certificate, 7 credit hours, CIP code 51.0899).
  • Certificate of Proficiency: Healthcare Essentials (Pre-Associates Certificate, 13 credit hours, CIP code 51.2699).

Comprehensive Evaluation

University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana, Hope, AR

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

Approval of Request for Change

Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): the Associate of Arts – Prison Education Program (60 credit hours, CIP code: 24.0101) at Arkansas Department of Corrections, Varner Unit, 320 State Hwy 388, Gould, AR 71643 in the following modality: in person.
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): the Associate of Arts – Prison Education Program (60 credit hours, CIP code: 24.0101) at Arkansas Department of Corrections, Cummins Unit, 2540 State Hwy 388, Gould, AR 71643 in the following modality: in person.

University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): Associate of General Studies – Prison Education Program (60 credit hours, CIP code 24.0102) at Forrest City Correctional Facility, 1400 Dale Bumpers Road, Forrest City, AR 72335 in the following modality: in person.

Williams Baptist University, Walnut Ridge, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness in a reduced-credit format  (90 credit hours, CIP code 01.0101).

Colorado

Certificate Program Approvals

College for Financial Planning, Inc., CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Certificate in Financial Services (Pre-Associates Certificate, 9 credit hours, CIP code 52.0804).

Comprehensive Evaluation

Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO

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

Approval of Request for Change

Morgan Community College, Fort Morgan, CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education (120 credit hours, CIP code 13.1202).

University of Denver, Denver, CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Information Technology in a reduced credit format (136 quarter credit hours, CIP code 11.0103).

Illinois

Certificate Program Approvals

Lewis and Clark Community College, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Practical Nursing (Pre-Associates Certificate, 34 credit hours, CIP code 51.3901).

Financial Indicator Panel

Quincy University, Quincy, IL

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Fox College, Tinley Park, IL

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

Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

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

Campus Evaluation Visit

Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Lake Forest, IL

• Affirmed the quality of the branch campus at 100 Saunders Road, Suite 150, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

Focused Visit

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College, Chicago, IL

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to previous Criteria 1.C. (mission and diversity of society); 3.A. (academic offerings appropriate to higher education); 4.B. (assessment of student learning).

Approval of Request for Change

Augustana College, Rock Island, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies – Prison Education Program (120 credit hours, CIP Code 09.0101) and Bachelor of Arts in American Studies – Prison Education Program (120 credit hours, CIP Code 05.0102) at East Moline Correctional Center, 100 Hillcrest Road, East Moline, IL 61244 in the following modality: in person.

City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: City Colleges-Kennedy King College, 6301 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60621.

Erikson Institute, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Child and Family Studies (60 credit hours, CIP code 19.0706) and the Education Specialist in Child and Family Studies (54 credit hours, CIP code 19.0706).

Shawnee Community College, Ullin, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, as a credit-based competency-based education program (63 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201).

Taylor Business Institute, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology & Networking (91 credit hours, CIP code 11.0101).
• Approved the institution’s request to expand distance education to courses and programs.

Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan and teach-out agreements with the following institutions:
  • Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Carroll University, Waukesha, WI
  • Dominican University, River Forest, IL
  • Judson University, Elgin, IL
  • Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
  • North Park University, Chicago, IL
  • Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL
  • Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL
  • Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL     

Indiana

Non-Financial Indicator Panel

Trine University, Angola, IN

• Concurred with the Non-Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

University of Evansville, Evansville, IN

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to close an additional location: Bais Yaakov of Indiana, 206 W. 8th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544 and reopen at Bais Yaakov High School of Indiana, 19685 Johnson Road, South Bend, IN 46614 

Manchester University, North Manchester, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following educational programs:
  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Accounting in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 52.0301).
  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Management in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201).

University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Education Specialist in School Psychology (67 credit hours, CIP code 42.2805).

Iowa

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Divine Word College, Epworth, IA

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Focused Visit

Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, IA

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to the institution’s general ongoing compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation and other applicable HLC requirements in light of the Change of Control, Structure or Organization.

St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to the institution’s general ongoing compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation and other applicable HLC requirements in light of the Change of Control, Structure or Organization.

Approval of Request for Change

Dordt University, Sioux Center, IA

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner (48.5 credit hours, CIP code 51.3805).

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, Ankeny, IA

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Trades (68 credit hours, CIP code 46.0000).

Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA

• Approved the institution’s request to close an additional location: 1401 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722 and reopen at 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722.

Kansas

Certificate Program Approvals

Butler County Community College, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (Pre-Associates Certificate, 20 credit hours, CIP code 51.0904).

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott, KS

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Focused Visit

Dodge City Community College, Dodge City, KS

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to integrity/ethics, budget/finances, faculty/staff and Federal Compliance.

Independence Community College, Independence, KS

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to assessment, mission and retention/persistence/completion.        

Approval of Request for Change

Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Overland Park, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to close an additional location: CBTS-Atlanta, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 and reopen at 943 Buford Hwy NE, Sugar Hill, GA 30518.

Coffeyville Community College, Coffeyville, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: Hatfield Building, 200 SE Avenue, Columbus, KS 66725.

Southwestern College, Winfield, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Medical Sciences (36 credit hours, CIP code 51.1401).

Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Arts in Ministry (36 credit hours, CIP code 39.0602).

Michigan

Financial Indicator Panel

Madonna University, Livonia, MI

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Henry Ford College, Dearborn, MI

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, MI

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

West Shore Community College, Scottville, MI

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Minnesota

Certificate Program Approvals

University of St. Thomas, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Interfaith Literacy for Health Professionals (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 12.5 credit hours, CIP code 51.3204).

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Cloquet, MN

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Northwest Technical College, Bemidji, MN

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation

Comprehensive Evaluation

Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN

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

Approval of Request for Change

Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Sport Management in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 31.0504).

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following Pell-eligible prison education program (PEP): Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences – Prison Education Program (60 credit hours, CIP code 24.0101) at Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee, 1010 6th Avenue W, Shakopee, MN 55379,  in the following modality: in person.

North Central University, Minneapolis, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation (30 credit hours, CIP code 39.0701).

Rasmussen University, St. Cloud, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to close the main campus at 8300 Norman Center Drive, Suite 300, Bloomington, MN 55437 and reopen at 226 Park Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 42.2813).

University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to increase the credit hours for the Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology, from 82 to 102.5 credit hours (CIP code 42.2803).

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to decrease the credit hours for the Doctor of Information Technology, from 92 to 61 quarter credit hours (CIP code 11.0101).
• Approved the institution’s request to decrease the credit hours for the Doctor of Social Work, from 78 to 59 quarter credit hours (CIP code 44.0701).

White Earth Tribal & Community College, Mahnomen, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to expand distance education to courses and programs.

Missouri

Comprehensive Evaluation

University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO

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

Focused Visit

Park University, Parkville, MO

• Affirmed that the institution is addressing the concerns related to finances, student success, enrollment planning, strategic/operational planning, and shared governance.

Additional Location Confirmation Visit

Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, KS

• Concurred with the findings of the peer review team.

Approval of Request for Change

A. T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, MO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Athletic Training, as a credit-based competency-based education program (64 credit hours, CIP code 51.0913)

Calvary University, Kansas City, MO

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan.

Research College of Nursing, Kansas City, MO

• Approved the institution’s request for a change of the institution’s mission.

Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with two tracks, Traditional I/O Track (38 credit hours, CIP code 42.2804) and People Analytics Track (42 credit hours, CIP code 42.2804).

William Jewell College, Liberty, MO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Education in Transformative Teaching and Learning (30 credit hours, CIP code 13.0301).

Nebraska

Comprehensive Evaluation

Doane University, Crete, NE

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

Approval of Request for Change

Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) in a reduced-credit format (95 credit hours, CIP code 51.3801).

New Mexico

Certificate Program Approvals

University of New Mexico, NM

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Certificate in HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration) (Pre-Associates Certificate, 30 credit hours, CIP code 15.0407).
  • Certificate in Electrical Trades (Pre-Associates Certificate, 30 credit hours, CIP code 47.0101).
  • Certificate in Plumbing Trades (Pre-Associates Certificate, 30 credit hours, CIP code 46.0503).

Focused Visit

New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM

• Affirmed that the institution is addressing the concerns related to (previous) Core Components 4.B and 5.B.

Campus Evaluation Visits

Eastern New Mexico University, NM

• Affirmed the quality of the branch campus at Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell, 52 University Boulevard, Roswell, NM 88203.

Approval of Request for Change

Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, NM

• Approved the institution’s request to increase the credit hours for the Certificate in Nail Technician, from 17 to 31 credit hours (CIP code 12.0410).

Southeast New Mexico College, Carlsbad, NM

• Approved the institution’s request for approval for an aggregate change of 25% or more in program content and credit hours since the last accreditation review for the following programs: 
  • Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Food & Beverage (Associate, 60 credit hours, CIP code 52.0901)
  • Associate in Criminal Justice (Associate, 60 credit hours, CIP code 43.0104)
  • Certificate of Completion in Heritage Interpretation (Pre-Associates Certificate, 33 credit hours, CIP code 05.0299)
  • Heritage Interpretation Associate of Science (Associate, 60 credit hours, CIP 05.0299)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate (Pre-Associates Certificate, 6 credit hours, CIP code 51.3902)
  • Phlebotomist Technician Certificate of Achievement (Pre-Associates Certificate, 6 credit hours, CIP code 51.1009)
  • Associate of Applied Science in  Surgical Technology (Associate, 71 credit hours, CIP code 51.0909)
  • Pre-Surgical Technology Certificate (Pre-Associates Certificate, 28 credit hours, CIP code 51.0909)
  • Nursing Associate (Associate, 74 credit hours, CIP code 51.3801)
  • Pre-Nursing Certificate (Pre-Associates Certificate, 34 credit hours, CIP 51.1105)
  • Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate (Pre-Associates Certificate, 55 credit hours, CIP code 51.3901)
  • Associate of Social Work (Associate, 60 credit hours, CIP code 44.0701)
  • Drafting and Graphics, Technology General Drafting Certificate of Completion (Pre-Associates Certificate, 29 credit hours, CIP code 15.1301)
  • Associate of Applied Science in Drafting and Graphics Technology General Drafting (Associate, 60 credit hours, CIP code 15.1301)
  • Emergency Medical Services (Associate of Applied Science, 68 credit hours, CIP 51.0904)
  • Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate – Certificate of Completion (Pre-Associates Certificate, 29 credit hours, CIP code 51.0904)
  • Emergency Medical Technician – Basic Certificate of Completion (Pre-Associates Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 51.0904)
  • Medical Coding and Billing – Certificate of Completion (Pre-Associates Certificate, 25 credit hours, CIP code 51.0710)
  • Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology (Associate, 61 credit hours, CIP code 51.0710)

North Dakota

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

Mayville State University, Mayville, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Leadership (36 credit hours, CIP code 52.0213).

North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (126 credit hours, CIP code 51.0602).

Turtle Mountain College, Belcourt, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Applied Science in Cyber Law & Policy (36 credit hours, CIP code 43.0404).

Williston State College, Williston, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate Applied Science in Human Services (62 credit hours, CIP code 44.0000).

Ohio

Certificate Program Approvals

Ashland University, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (17 credit hours, CIP code 51.1508).

Financial Indicator Panel

Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, OH

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings

Terra State Community College, Fremont, OH

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Miami University, Oxford, OH

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, Wickliffe, OH

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH

• Accepted the team report and continued the accreditation.

Focused Visit

Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to the general ongoing compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation and other applicable HLC requirements in light of the Change of Control, Structure or Organization.

Staff Action Recommendation

Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH

• Accepted the institution’s request to postpone its comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation of accreditation from 2025-2026 to 2026-2027.

Approval of Request for Change

Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Innovative Design (CIP code 50.0404) through a contractual arrangement with International Center for Creativity.

Lake Erie College, Painesville, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (120 credit hours, CIP code 26.0908).

Otterbein University, Westerville, OH

• Approved the institution’s request for an aggregate change of 25% or more in program content since the last accreditation review for the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (59 credit hours, CIP code 31.0505).

Oklahoma

Approval of Request for Change

Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Education in School Library and Media Leadership (35.5 credit hours, CIP code 13.1334).

Southern Nazarene University, Bethany, OK

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: Broken Arrow Public School District, 710 S. Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.

West Virginia

Comprehensive Evaluation

Catholic International University, Charles Town, WV

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Wisconsin

Certificate Program Approvals

Northcentral Technical College, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program
  • Carpentry Apprenticeship (Pre-Associates Certificate, 14 credit hours, CIP code 46.0201).

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program
  • Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate (Master, 12 credit hours, CIP code 51.0701).

Approval of Request for Change

Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Social Work-Accelerated Pathway in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 44.0701).

Wyoming

Financial Indicator Panel

Wyoming Catholic College, Lander, WY

• Concurred with the Financial Panel’s findings.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Central Wyoming College, Riverton, WY

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.