I hope everyone is enjoying summer; it certainly has been a very busy and interesting time for higher education. Yes, that is quite an understatement! Federal legislation is addressing several issues that impact colleges and universities across the country. Similar shifts are being proposed or passed in many states. Our Higher Learning Commission staff and board members are staying on top of all changes in order to share information with you and provide any guidance on correlations to accreditation. Please be sure to read the Leaflet as it relates to any government affairs actions that are relevant to your campuses.
Since July 2020, HLC has been recognized as an institutional accreditor, no longer “regional.” Our scope now covers all states, and we are receiving several new questions and requests about membership. Our Seeking Accreditation workshops are filled with new attendees from across the nation. Newly formed organizations are also entering the accreditation marketplace, which is allowed by the regulations that eventually changed our own reach. We welcome those interested in becoming federally recognized to do the work of quality assurance in higher education. An expanded group of accreditors only makes us better, as we learn from their new directions and ideas. HLC will continue to be a thought leader, rigorous in assuring quality, allowing pathways to innovation, working with our members and future members on the best ways to demonstrate student success outcomes to all interested stakeholders.
I hope you had a good Independence Day and can find some time to refresh a bit as we all move forward to the next academic year. We are always available to listen and brainstorm ideas.