Know Before You Go: Higher Learning 2025

Higher Learning 2025 is in just a few weeks, and we can’t wait to see you in Chicago April 5–8. Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time!  

Conference Resources  

Get Ready to Build Your Schedule in the Mobile App and Website 

Next week, registered attendees will receive an email with instructions for logging in to the conference website and eventScribe mobile app. New this year: when logging in for the first time, create an account with credentials you choose and input the event code shared in the email to access the conference sessions. 

In the website and mobile app, you’ll be able to build your schedule by favoriting sessions, download and take notes on presentations, see attendees and sponsors, and more.  

If you already have the eventScribe app, you should delete and re-download it from the app store to ensure you get the most up-to-date features and information. 

Resource Guide and Program Book 

The 2025 Resource Guide and Program Book are now available online! All conference attendees will receive a copy of the Resource Guide when checking in on-site. In order to reduce waste, we’ll be distributing Program Books only to those who opted to receive one when they registered for the conference. 

Attending Higher Learning for the First Time? 

New this year: need help navigating the conference hotels or choosing a session to attend? Look for attendees wearing orange “Ambassador” buttons for guidance from a seasoned HLC Annual Conference-goer. 

Be sure to attend the Orientation for First Time Conference Attendees at 4 p.m. Saturday for information about HLC accreditation and navigating the program. Sessions that might be beneficial for new attendees are also marked in the website, mobile app and Program Book.  

Wondering What to Wear? Support Your Institution on Tuesday! 

We want to see your institution’s colors on Tuesday! While we recommend business casual dress (with layers for variance in temperature) during the program, we encourage you to go all out with your institution’s gear on the final day of the conference. 

Additionally, there’s a lot of ground to cover at Higher Learning 2025, so we recommend wearing any style of comfortable footwear that works for you. 

Hotel Availability 

Many of our discounted room blocks are at capacity, but we have added rooms at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk and there is still space available at the Renaissance Chicago. If you still need to book accommodations, continue to check back as additional rooms may become available.  

If you have booked a room but are no longer able to attend, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible. 

Conference Highlights 

Sessions on the Revised Criteria for Accreditation 

We recently updated the video overviews on each revised Criterion, and we recommend that you view these before attending these sessions related to the Criteria: 

Join us for additional conversations, facilitated by peer reviewers, to explore what the new Criteria mean in the context of your institution and what evidence you might use for a comprehensive evaluation: 

We’ll also offer an additional Q&A session at the end of the General Program for any lingering questions: 

C-152: General Q&A | Grand Ballroom D 
Tuesday, April 8 at 9:00 a.m. 

In addition to sessions on the Criteria for Accreditation, HLC staff will lead a variety of presentations on accreditation topics including substantive change, federal compliance, microcredentials, the Assurance System moving to Canopy, HLC’s next strategic plan and more.   

Pre-Conference Program: Strategies for Experienced ALOs   

Are you an ALO with two or more years of experience in your role? Want to learn strategies for increasing your effectiveness and enhance your skills as your institution’s liaison? There is still space available in this pre-conference program on Saturday from 12:30–3:45 p.m. Learn more and register.  

Safe travels to Chicago! If you post about your conference experience, be sure to tag @hlcommission on social media and use #HLC2025.

Questions?  

Contact [email protected].