Assurance System User Information and Terms of Use

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Assurance System is a web-based technology used by HLC member institutions, institutions seeking membership with HLC, and HLC peer reviewers. Institutions use the Assurance System to prepare Assurance Filings that provide narrative and supporting evidence to demonstrate institutional compliance with HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other HLC requirements. HLC peer reviewers evaluate Assurance Filings and submit reports and recommendations in the Assurance System.

The Assurance System is maintained by HLC and Anthology (formerly Campus Labs). All references to HLC throughout these Terms of Use may include HLC, Anthology and designated representatives of each.

Terms of Use

By logging into the Assurance System, users agree that they have read, understood and agree to abide by these Terms of Use.

Each user is assigned unique login credentials either by HLC or by institutional representatives who have been expressly provided this ability by HLC. Users may not share their credentials with others or allow others to use their login credentials to access the Assurance System. Users agree to take reasonable measures to secure their login credentials. In some instances, HLC or institutions may provide generic, “communal” login credentials to accommodate situations where large numbers of people need to review narrative and evidence in the Assurance System, but do not need to edit or otherwise revise content (functions that are reserved for credentials assigned uniquely to one individual). Due to the possibility of data loss and/or the inability to identify who made various changes, communal login credentials are not to be used in instances where users are adding or deleting content, making edits, or performing other functions that alter content within the Assurance System.

All content posted in the Assurance System must specifically be related to the stated purposes and scope of the Assurance System. All content must be presented in a professional and respectful manner. Content that, in the sole discretion of HLC, is discriminatory, harassing, offensive, defamatory, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate is not permitted. Users may not post content in violation of any applicable laws.

Any content in the Assurance System may be visible to other users. As such, users should not include personally identifiable information in content, where possible. Users should familiarize themselves with HLC’s Guidelines for Personally Identifiable Information Submitted to HLC. Any user who believes that they have encountered personally identifiable information in content that is not aligned with these Guidelines should promptly alert HLC at [email protected].

Users agree to post content in the Assurance System in a manner that reasonably avoids spreading viruses or malware and that reasonably avoids causing damage to the Assurance System, its users and HLC. Users will not upload any executable files, or files that contain code or programs designed to impede or destroy the functionality of any computer software or hardware, including, but not limited to, viruses, Trojan horses, worms, corrupted files or code, or spyware.

Users are responsible for ensuring that their end-user devices are compatible with the requirements of the Assurance System.

HLC may scan files as they are uploaded. However, users of the Assurance System explicitly acknowledge that they are downloading files at their own risk.

By posting content in the Assurance System, users represent and warrant that all content posted is their original work, or that they have all the necessary permissions and rights to use the content in the manner used and to license all of the content to third parties. Users represent and warrant that the content does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any person or entity.

By posting content in the Assurance System, users understand and agree to the requirements regarding ownership of institutional records and information as detailed in HLC’s Management of Records and Information policy.

HLC will take commercially reasonable measures to secure the data in the Assurance System against breach, and to avoid and mitigate against data corruption or loss. HLC makes no warranty regarding such breach, corruption or loss of data. Under no circumstances shall HLC be liable to users for any breach, corruption or loss of data.

Unless prohibited by law, by posting content in the Assurance System, and/or otherwise utilizing the Assurance System, users agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless HLC and its trustees, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, and affiliates, past or present, against any and all losses, demands, actions, suits, claims (including claims of copyright, trademark, or patent infringement), liabilities, damages, expenses and fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to HLC’s maintaining the Assurance System, including HLC’s use of any content that the user has posted in the Assurance System.

Except for fulfilling responsibilities related to their institutional role or in their role as peer reviewer, users may not use any content posted by others in the Assurance System without the prior written permission of HLC and/or the individual or institution that posted the content, as applicable. However, users recognize that content in the Assurance System may be available to some other users. HLC makes no representations about its ability to control the use of content by authorized users. Any user disputes about the use of content are between individual users, not HLC.

Content posted by institutional representatives and peer reviewers in the Assurance System does not necessarily represent, and should not be considered as, the views or position of HLC.

HLC does not review or approve content from institutional representatives and peer reviewers prior to the user posting the content in the Assurance System and does not routinely monitor content in the Assurance System for compliance with these Terms of Use.

If a user believes that any content or user conduct violates these Terms of Use or is otherwise problematic, the user should promptly alert HLC at [email protected]. Where possible, concerns will be addressed in a confidential manner. However, users should note that information regarding such concerns may be disclosed to the user or others as necessary in order to address the issue.

HLC reserves the right, but assumes no obligation, to immediately remove any content in the Assurance System, with or without notice, at any time, for any reason, including if HLC determines, in its sole discretion, that the content violates these Terms of Use.

HLC reserves the right, but assumes no obligation, to immediately suspend or terminate a user’s participation, with or without notice, at any time, for any reason, including if HLC determines, in its sole discretion, that the content the user has posted in the Assurance System, or the user’s conduct in using the Assurance System, violates these Terms of Use.

HLC reserves the right to take further legal action and/or consult with law enforcement personnel where applicable.

HLC may modify these Terms of Use from time to time. Any changes will generally be communicated with users by updating the information on this page.