The Higher Learning Commission’s Board of Trustees took the following actions at its meeting on February 26–27, 2026.

Proposed Policy Changes

The Board approved the following proposed policy changes on first reading. The Board will consider the proposed changes for adoption on second reading at its June 2026 meeting.

Comments Invited. Institutional representatives, peer reviewers and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposals before the Board’s June meeting. Send your comments to [email protected] by May 15, 2026.

• Presidential Authority
  The proposed policy changes would expand certain aspects of the scope of the HLC president’s authority to take actions related to an institution’s relationship with HLC, specifically as related to special monitoring and Administrative Probation.
• Voluntary Resignation
  The proposed changes would clarify certain aspects of the requirements and process regarding voluntary resignation of membership with HLC.

Adopted Policy Changes and Minor Policy Edits

Adopted Policy Changes

The Board adopted the following policy changes on second reading. They are effective immediately.

Institutional Control: Related Entities and Components
The policy changes clarify HLC policies related to the entities that control an institution (referred to as related entities) and the parts of an institution (referred to as components). Specifically, the changes clarify:

• When a member institution must provide information to HLC about a related entity, including as part of the Institutional Update (starting in 2027) or evaluative activities, such as a comprehensive evaluation.
• Which components of an institution are included within the scope of the institution’s HLC accreditation, and thus would be regularly reviewed as part of HLC’s quality assurance activities.
• How an institution’s related entities and components relate to other policies, including HLC’s policy on Change of Control, Structure or Organization. 

Minor Policy Edits

HLC staff also made a number of minor policy edits to make certain technical corrections and standardize language and formatting. See February 2026 Minor Policy Edits for details. The edits are effective immediately.

Seeking Feedback on HLC’s Guiding Values

HLC is in the process of revising our Guiding Values to ensure they support how we implement our mission and vision. HLC staff presented draft revised Guiding Values to the Board, and we are now seeking feedback from member institutions prior to finalization.

Review the draft Guiding Values and share your thoughts with [email protected] by May 15, 2026. Those attending Higher Learning 2026 can also give their input at a session on the Guiding Values and HLC’s next strategic plan, North Star, on Sunday, March 22.

Accreditation Actions

The Board took action on a number of institutional cases. See February 2026 accreditation actions.

Next Board Meeting

The Board’s next meeting will take place June 25–26, 2026. See the full schedule of upcoming Board meetings.