Equity

EVOLVE 2025: Equity Goals and Action Steps

The role of equity in accreditation and quality assurance is critical;the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the inequities existing in and endemic to higher education. To that end, an equity framework should permeate not only all levels of institutions (e.g., students, staff, faculty and governing boards) but also their accreditors (e.g., the Peer Corps and review process). These goals focus on HLC’s commitment to modeling fairness, quality and access for all learners and institutions; they also emphasize the importance of all students having equitable access to higher education.

Chart showing timeline of Equity goals and action steps

Goal 1: Demonstrate Equity in HLC’s Mission

HLC will ensure that concepts of equity, diversity, access and inclusion are demonstrated in its mission and other foundational statements.

Timeline

2021–2025, and then ongoing

Activities

HLC Definitions of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion

HLC is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. This commitment is articulated in HLC’s mission and vision statements, and it is central to HLC’s strategic plan and priorities as a learning organization with quality improvement representing a core value. Beyond its public documents, the principles of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are foundational to HLC’s daily service to its membership and the wider higher-education community. They are equally fundamental and likewise observable in the day-to-day engagements between HLC staff members who understand that sensitivity and compassion for others are indispensable.

HLC’s approach to Equity as part of its strategic plan, EVOLVE, was based on the idea that HLC should first evaluate and strive to address equity for the internal culture of HLC before reaching out to the membership. As such, HLC has adopted for its staff members the following definitions to influence its practices related to equity. Member institutions are not required to adopt these definitions. Rather, HLC shares these definitions in the spirit of transparency, representing HLC’s drive to build capacity in these important endeavors.

Diversity

The acceptance and continuing reverence for the range of unique abilities, attributes and identities that reflect human existence. Diversity is achieved when such characteristics are not merely representational but are valued and called upon to inspire organizational creativity, innovative thinking and personal growth.

Equity

The conditions under which every individual has the resources and support needed to be successful. Equity, distinct from equality, is based on the principles of fairness and justice. Equity is achieved when lived experience is honored and there is intentionality in identifying and disrupting systemic, structural barriers as well as implicit biases in policy and practice.

Accessibility

The availability and independent usability of all activities, services, technologies and environments to all individuals, with consideration of a complete range of abilities and needs. Accessibility is achieved through intentional awareness, education, planning and design.

Inclusion

The intentional and demonstrable creation of safe and welcoming environments in which individuals are attuned to and hold themselves and others accountable for addressing power imbalances that inhibit the full participation of all people. Inclusion is achieved when diversity, equity and accessibility permeate an organizational culture.

Goal 2: Promote Equity Principles

HLC will actively promote an understanding of and sensitivity to equity principles in its interactions with institutions and other stakeholders.

Timeline

2021–2025, and then ongoing

Activities

  • HLC’s 2021 Annual Conference hosted presentations on the findings of the Equity Survey.
  • HLC’s quality awareness project on Equity has teamed up with the Peer Corps Diversity Committee to take the equity survey results and develop thought papers on how equity is being addressed at member institutions.

Goal 3: Assess Policies and Procedures

HLC will assess and address equity in relation to its operational policies and related procedures.

Timeline

2021–2022

Activities

  • With funds from the Lumina Foundation, HLC has begun looking at opportunities for staff development on equity.
  • To actively promote an understanding of and sensitivity to equity principles, HLC has begun evaluating its internal Principles of Operation, which inform staff interaction, to ensure they are written to embrace principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The preliminary work will better inform HLC’s definitions of the aforementioned terms.

Goal 4: Inform the Public

HLC will provide information to the public regarding issues that are impacted by equity considerations, for example educational attainment and high-quality credentials.

Timeline

2021–2024

Action Steps

  • Determine specific external events or organizations with which to partner in order to provide information on quality credentials to fit student needs and expectations.
  • Work as a convener to develop resources for the public, thereby expanding HLC’s Student Resources.
  • Host events for state and local officials, education administrators, and advocates to discuss the landscape in which education intersects with governmental policies and social/economic dynamics related to equity.

Questions?

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