Recognition by the U.S. Department of Education
As an institutional accrediting agency, HLC is recognized by the U. S. Department of Education and must periodically be reviewed for its compliance with the U.S. Secretary of Education’s Criteria for Recognition to ensure that it remains a reliable authority regarding the quality of education offered by the institutions it accredits. Institutions accredited by a federally recognized accreditor can provide students with access to federal student aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended).
U. S. Department of Education Recognition Process
The process for federal recognition occurs every five years. HLC’s recognition was last renewed in 2018 for a period of five years, the maximum recognition period, and the agency submitted its most recent petition for recognition in April 2021. After all information is reviewed and HLC has had an opportunity to respond to a draft report prepared by staff in the Office of Postsecondary Education, the U.S. Department of Education will send its final staff report and recommendation to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI).
Comments to NACIQI
HLC members and interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the U.S. Department of Education recognition process. The Department routinely solicits public comment and provides specific instructions on how to make oral public comment or submit a written statement as part of its Notices which are published in the Federal Register. HLC greatly values the support and input of its member institutions, their students, and the public and independently invites such feedback, especially if commenters are able to appear in person.
HLC will update this webpage with specific information about submitting comments or registering to provide comments at the NACIQI meeting in February 2023 once it becomes available. Note that HLC will be given an opportunity to respond to comments during the meeting.
Public comments represent a quintessential element in affirming the value of quality assurance in higher education while demonstrating the various voices that have a stake in the higher education ecosystem.
More About NACIQI
The U.S. Department of Education provides comprehensive information about the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.
Resources
Questions?
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