Thirty presenters from institutions around the country will be on hand at the Higher Learning 2026 Share Fairs, where tips on comprehensive evaluations, Assurance Reviews, Quality Initiatives and HLC Assessment Academy work will be exchanged and discussed. 

The following Share Fairs will be offered during Higher Learning 2026:  

• Comprehensive Evaluations and Assurance Reviews 
  • 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 22 and Monday, March 23 
  • Riverside Hall, Lower Level, Hyatt East Tower 
• Quality Initiatives 
  • 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 23  
  • Grand Hall, Ballroom Level, Hyatt East Tower 
• Assessment Academy Projects 
  • 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 22 
  • Grand Hall, Ballroom Level, Hyatt East Tower  

A sample of what to expect includes: 

Navigating a Year 10 Comprehensive Evaluation on the Open Pathway at Calvin University 

Details will be shared by Laura DeHaan, dean of curriculum and assessment, on the institution’s 18-month process leading to reaffirmation of accreditation in May 2025. Focus will be on importance of creating a team structure early, assigning an ALO with HLC knowledge to organize materials and write the argument, and need for regular team feedback. Strategies for document organization will be presented.  

Indiana State University’s Mid-Cycle Assurance Review  

Susan Powers, interim business college dean, will discuss use of a manageable, streamlined Assurance Review process that is continuously progressing. Emphasis will be on evidence, and its collection, use of various technologies and the importance of sharing data widely, which has led at Indiana State to challenging questions being asked following the review. 

Centering the Classroom: A Faculty-Led Approach to Student Success  

A recent University of Northern Colorado Quality Initiative tackled student success improvement by looking at “what barriers exist inside the classroom” rather than “what services do students need outside the class?” Nancy J. Matchett, professor of philosophy, will highlight the initiative’s journey that let go of mandates, in favor of faculty as partners in achieving goals.  

Universal Themes Assessment at Central New Mexico Community College 

This 2024 HLC Assessment Academy project redesigned the college’s student learning outcomes assessment process to include use of equity-focused data to identify students who are left behind in their studies and why. Kristen Ferris, senior director of curriculum and assessment, will discuss lessons learned in creating a culture of assessment and faculty buy in to the process. 

From Standard Pathway to Open Pathway: How Bellevue University was Able to Advance  

Peter Heineman, director of institutional accreditation, ALO and a peer reviewer, will discuss strategies for preparing for a successful review, which led in 2025 to the institution’s advancement to the Open Pathway. Tips for Assurance argument success, on everything from voice, style and format to regular maintenance and evaluation of the draft will be shared.