March 2026 Actions

Institutional Actions Council

The Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Actions Council took the following actions on March 30-31, 2026.

Arizona

Certificate Program Approvals

Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Pre-Associates Certificate, 24 credit hours, CIP code 36.0202)

Maricopa Community Colleges-GateWay Community College, Phoenix, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Beauty and Wellness Related Services (Pre-Associates Certificate, 60 credit hours, CIP code 12.0499)

Maricopa Community Colleges-Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Industrial Technology for Semiconductor (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 15.0616)

Mohave College, Kingman, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Manufacturing Processes and Systems (Associates Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 47.0303)
  • Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics (Associates Certificate, 18 credit hours, CIP code 47.0303)

Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate programs:
  • Detention Officer Training Academy (Pre-Associate’s Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 43.0102)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (Pre-Associate’s Certificate, 24 credit hours, CIP code 11.0102)
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Pre-Associate’s Certificate, 30 credit hours, CIP code 51.0910)
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician (Pre-Associates Certificate, 17 credit hours, CIP code 15.0616)

Staff Action Recommendation

Diné College, Tsaile, AZ

• Accepted the staff recommendation.

Approval of Request for Change

Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate in Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (61 credit hours, CIP code 11.0102).

Coconino County Community College, Flagstaff, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: Coconino Community College – Kaibab Campus, 1131 W Kaibab Ln, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership (120 credit hours, CIP code 52.0213).

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Education (42 credit hours, CIP code 51.3801).

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Information Technology (CIP code 11.0103) and the Master of Science in Business Analytics (CIP code 30.7102), through a contractual arrangement with Nanyang Science and Technology College.

Arkansas

Certificate Program Approvals

Arkansas State University-Beebe, Beebe, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Construction Trades Technology (Pre-Associates Certificate, 27 credit hours, CIP code 46.0000)

Approval of Request for Change

Arkansas State University-Beebe, Beebe, AR

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: Quitman High School, 6275 Heber Springs Rd W., Quitman, AR 72131.

Colorado

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

Community College of Aurora, Aurora, CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary Education (120 credit hours, CIP code 13.0101).

Naropa University, Boulder, CO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Public Administration (36 credit hours, CIP code 44.0401).
• Approved the institution’s request for an aggregate change of 25% or more in program content since the last accreditation review for the Art Therapy BA and MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Low-residency).

Illinois

Certificate Program Approvals

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

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant (Pre-Associates Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 51.0802)

Concordia University Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Classical Pedagogy (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 18 credit hours, CIP code 13.1206)

Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Executive Coaching (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 5 credit hours, CIP code 52.1006)

Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Clinical Medical Assisting (Pre-Associates Certificate, 32 credit hours, CIP code 51.0801)

Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Human Services Generalist (Associates Certificate, 22 credit hours, CIP code 44.0000)

Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Play Therapy (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 10 credit hours, CIP code 51.2317)

Focused Visit

Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL

• Affirmed that the institution has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it has addressed the concerns related to integrity/ethics, support/resources and budget/finances.

Staff Action Recommendation

John Wood Community College, Quincy, IL

• Accepted the staff recommendation.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Augustana College, Rock Island, IL

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

Chamberlain University, Addison, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to open an additional location: Chamberlain University – Nashville, 2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37228.

Erikson Institute, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Ed.S. in Child and Family Studies (54 credit hours, CIP code 19.0706).

Generations College, Chicago, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following educational programs:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (120 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201).
  • Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship (121 credit hours, CIP code 52.0701).

Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Lake Forest, IL

• Approved the institution’s provisional plan and teach-out agreements with the following institutions:
  • Excelsior University, Albany, NY
  • Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • The University of Olivet, Olivet, MI

Methodist College, Peoria, IL

• 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 Nursing: RN to BSN.

Morton College, Cicero, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art & Design (60 credit hours, CIP code 50.0102).

Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Rock Island, IL

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (86 credit hours, CIP code 51.0910).

Indiana

Certificate Program Approvals

University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Human Lactation (Courses Only, 9 credit hours, CIP code 51.0815)

Staff Action Recommendation

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

• Denied staff action recommendation to require monitoring.

Approval of Request for Change

Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied AI Analytics with a specialization in Human Resources in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 11.0102).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied AI Analytics with a specialization in Marketing in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 11.0102).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Applied AI Analytics with a specialization in Supply Chain and Logistics in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 11.0102).

Manchester University, North Manchester, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Applied Criminal Justice in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 43.0104).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Applied Marketing Communication in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 09.0909).

Marian University, Indianapolis, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Occupational Therapy,
  (99.5 credit hours, CIP code 51.2306), Master of Occupational Therapy (76 credit
  hours, CIP code 51.2306) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (105 credit hours, CIP
  code 51.2308)
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in
  Physical Therapist Assistant (69 credit hours, CIP code 51.0806) and Associate of
  Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (69 credit hours, CIP code
  51.0803)

Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following educational programs:
  • Master of Organizational Leadership (30 credit hours, CIP code 52.0213)
  • Organizational Leadership Certificate (12 credit hours, CIP code 52.0213)

Iowa

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Northwestern College, Orange City, IA

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center, West Des Moines, IA

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Medical Science (30 credit hours, CIP code 51.0912).

Kansas

Certificate Program Approvals

Neosho Community College, Chanute, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (Pre-Associates Certificate, 5 credit hours, CIP code 49.0205)

University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Management (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, 15 credit hours, CIP code 51.0000)

Assurance Review

Fort Hays Tech – Northwest, Goodland, KS

• Continued the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

Butler County Community College, El Dorado, KS

• Approved the institution’s participation in the Notification Program for Additional Locations within the United States.

Colby Community College, Colby, KS

• Approved to offer the following Prison Education Programs (PEP): Certificate in Welding – Prison Education Program (32 credit hours, CIP code 48.0508) at Hutchinson Correctional Facility, 500 Reformatory St, Hutchinson, KS 67501 in the following modality: in-person.

Michigan

Certificate Program Approvals

Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Certificate in Dental Assisting (Pre-Associates Certificate, 24 credit hours, CIP code 51.0601)

Focused Visit

Gogebic Community College, Ironwood, MI

• Affirmed that the institution is addressing the concerns related to educational programs, assessment of student learning and planning for quality improvement.

Approval of Request for Change

Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer correspondence education courses.

Kirtland Community College, Grayling, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer correspondence education courses.

Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer correspondence education courses.

Montcalm Community College, Sidney, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer correspondence education courses.

Rochester Christian University, Rochester Hills, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to change the Master of Religion degree to a Master of Applied Theology (MAT).

Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer correspondence education courses.

Minnesota

Approval of Request for Change

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

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP Code 52.1001) and Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing (90 credit hours, CIP code 52.1401).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code: 52.0201).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 43.0104)
• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 42.0101).
• Approved the institution’s request to offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201).

Northwest Technical College, Bemidji, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Sciences in Cardiac Sonography (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.0910).

Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Functional and Integrative Nutrition (45 credit hours, CIP code 51.3102).

Pine Technical and Community College, Pine City, MN

• Approved to offer the following Prison Education Programs (PEP): Certificate in Business Essentials – Prison Education Program (16 credit hours, CIP code 52.0101); Diploma in Business Administration – Prison Education Program (32 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201); and Associate of Science in Business Transfer Pathway – Prison Education Program (60 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201) at Minnesota Correction Facility-Moose Lake, 1000 Lakeshore Drive, Moose Lake, MN 55767 in the following modalities: in-person.
• Approved to offer the following Prison Education Programs (PEP): Certificate in Business Essentials – Prison Education Program (16 credit hours, CIP code 52.0101); Diploma in Business Administration – Prison Education Program (32 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201); and Associate of Science in Business Transfer Pathway – Prison Education Program (60 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201) at Minnesota Correction Facility-Rush City, 7600 525th Street, Rush City, MN 55069 in the following modalities: in-person.

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with two pathways, Related Bachelor’s Degree Entry (72 credit hours, CIP code 51.0203) and Unrelated Bachelor’s Degree Entry (102 credit hours, CIP code 51.0203).

Missouri

Certificate Program Approvals

University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Global Airport Management (Bachelor’s Certificate, 12 credit hours, CIP code 49.0104)

Approval of Request for Change

Missouri State University-West Plains, West Plains, MO

• Approved the institution’s request for an aggregate change of 25% or more in program content since the last accreditation review for the Advanced Child and Family Development Certificate (25 credit hours, CIP code 19.0706); Associate of Science in Business (60 credit hours, CIP code 52.0101); Associate of Applied Science in Business (60 credit hours, CIP code 52.0101); Associate of Applied Science in Child and Family Development (60 credit hours, CIP code 19.0706); Associate of Arts in Child and Family Development (60 credit hours, CIP code 19.0706); Associate of Science in Computer Science (60 credit hours, CIP code 11.0101); Associate of Science in Engineering Technology (60 credit hours, CIP code 15.9999); Associate of Arts in Health Professions (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.1199); Associate of Applied Science in Enology (60 credit hours, CIP code 01.1004); Industrial Technology Certificate (24 credit hours, CIP code 15.0613); Associate of Applied Science in Information Science and Technology (60 credit hours, CIP code 11.0101); Associate of Science in Information Technology (60 credit hours, CIP code 11.0101); Associate of Applied Science in Viticulture (60 credit hours, CIP code 01.1004); Associate of Science in Technology (60 credit hours, CIP code 15.0699); and Associate of Applied Science in Technology (60 credit hours, CIP code 15.0613).

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in a reduced-credit format (90 credit hours, CIP code 43.0100).

University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (33 credit hours, CIP code 30.0000).

Nebraska

Certificate Program Approvals

Little Priest Tribal College, Winnebago, NE

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Medication Aide (Pre-Associates Certificate, 3 credit hours, CIP code 51.2603)

Approval of Request for Change

Concordia University, Seward, NE

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Arts in Leadership (33 credit hours, CIP code 52.0213).

University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Certificate in Executive Business as a credit-based competency-based education program (14 credit hours, CIP code 52.0201).

New Mexico

Approval of Request for Change

Southeast New Mexico College, Carlsbad, NM

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following educational programs:
  • Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Management Technician (64 credit hours, CIP code 15.0507)
  • Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety Technician (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.0810)

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Social Work (60 credit hours, CIP code 44.0701).

North Dakota

Approval of Request for Change

Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technician (66 credit hours, CIP code 51.1004).

Minot State University, Minot, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following educational programs:
  • Bachelor of Science in Innovation Engineering (126 credit hours, CIP code 14.0101)
  • Master of Science in Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling (60 credit hours, CIP code 51.1508)

University of Mary, Bismarck, ND

• Approved the institution’s request to offer correspondence education courses.

Ohio

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH

• Continued and reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation.

Approval of Request for Change

James A. Rhodes State College, Lima, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (60 credit hours, CIP code 11.0102).

Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (120 credit hours, CIP code 51.3801).

Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Agricultural Business and Leadership (31 credit hours, CIP code 01.0101).

Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH

• Approved the institution’s Provisional Plan.

Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (181 credit hours, CIP code 51.1202).

Oklahoma

Approval of Request for Change

Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (114 credit hours, CIP code 51.2308).

Rogers State University, Claremore, OK

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Arts in Psychology (33 credit hours, CIP code 42.0101).

Denial of Request for Change

Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK

• Denied the institution’s request to offer the Masters of Business Administration (CIP code 52.0201), the Masters of Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (CIP code 11.0102), and the Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (CIP code 42.2801) through a contractual arrangement with Beacon Education.

South Dakota

Approval of Request for Change

Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD

• Approved the institution’s request to close an additional location: Sioux Falls, 114 South Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 and reopen at: Dakota Wesleyan University-Sioux Falls, 817 W Russell St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls, SD

• Approved to offer the following Prison Education Programs (PEP): Certificate in Welding Technology – Prison Education Program (16 credit hours, CIP code 48.0508). As part of the PEP, students will travel from South Dakota State Penitentiary Jameson Annex, 1600 North Drive, Sioux Falls SD 57107 to Southeast Technical College – Main Campus, 2320 N Career Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57107 in the following modality: in-person.

West Virginia

Certificate Program Approvals

Salem University, Salem, WV

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Holistic/Integrative Health (Courses Only, 12 credit hours, CIP code 51.3306)

Approval of Request for Change

Wheeling University, Wheeling, WV

• Approved the institution’s request to change the delivery modality to distance education for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Wisconsin

Certificate Program Approvals

Herzing University, Madison, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the following certificate program:
  • Holistic Integrative Health (Post-Master’s Certificate, 16 credit hours, CIP code 51.3306)

Approval of Request for Change

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI

• Approved the institution’s request to offer the Bachelor of Science in Automation Leadership, (CIP code 15.0407), Bachelor of Science in Food Science CIP code 01.1001) and Bachelor of Science in Packaging (CIP code 15.1503), through a contractual arrangement with Suzhou Institute of Technology Dongnan Campus.