CHICAGO – On September 1, 2025, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) recently streamlined standards became effective. To align with the new standards, HLC launched process changes for a flexible alternate Year 4 accreditation activity as well as expanded HLC’s self-serve technology for institutions to manage their accreditation relationship. 

“At HLC, we offer many opportunities for member institutions to provide input on any revisions or proposed new criteria, policies and processes. As an Agile organization, we build relationships, considering ‘end user’ comments for change,” says HLC President Barbara Gellman-Danley. 

Input from member institutions and institutional performance data informed the new, user-friendly Criteria for Accreditation. Intended to save time for members, the changes include:   
 

• A new “Institutional Mission” section reinforcing that an institution demonstrates how it meets the Criteria through a mission-reflective lens. 
• Language refinements to clarify, simplify and streamline, while preserving the rigor. 
• Elimination of “subcomponents” from the Criteria in response to members’ comments about the need for simplification and consolidation of requirements. 
• Consolidation of two different Criteria into a single Criterion on Teaching and Learning for a more coherent framework for institutions to demonstrate their quality.  

“We are constantly adapting to new circumstances, a dynamic higher education landscape and the individualized missions of colleges and universities,” says Gellman-Danley. “HLC prides itself on balancing rigorous standards, respecting a wide range of institutional missions, marketplace needs for learners and the importance of efficiencies for member.” 

HLC also launched an alternative for the Year 4 accreditation activity applicable under the revised Criteria for Accreditation. Institutions may be eligible to choose to complete a Quality Initiative focused on student success in Years 1–4 in lieu of a mid-cycle Assurance Review. 

“This flexibility for institutions who consistently demonstrate their quality increases the value of their accreditation by pursuing a self-identified initiative regarding student success,” says Gellman-Danley.  

This option was created in response to feedback gleaned from HLC’s regular meetings with various stakeholders, such as state higher education agency administrators and The Big Ten Academic Alliance.  

Finally, in alignment with the application of the new Criteria for Accreditation, HLC expanded its technology to allow members to conduct their accreditation activities on a 24/7, self-serve platform that provides members with a wholistic, single location to manage their accreditation status.  

“HLC’s efforts toward these changes are foundational to how accreditation navigates the innovation of higher education and serves students, its member institutions and other stakeholders,” says Gellman-Danley.