New Peer Reviewer Training: Spring 2025
Virtual Session 1: Friday, February 21, 2025 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CT
Virtual Session 2: Friday, February 28, 2025 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CT
In-Person Session: Monday, March 10, 2025 | 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT
In-Person Session Location: Hyatt Rosemont Chicago/O’Hare
6350 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Register by: January 6, 2025
Peer reviewers are HLC’s expert volunteers who play an essential role in assuring the quality of our member institutions. As you take the first steps to become an active member of the Peer Corps, we want to ensure you’re equipped with the tools to evaluate colleges and universities and provide advice and consultation to help them improve.
This program, taking place in three parts (two virtual sessions and a final session in person in the Chicagoland area), will cover all aspects of the peer reviewer role. In the context of the revised Criteria for Accreditation, you’ll conduct a working case study of a fictional institution, Goldenrod University.
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to review an institution’s Assurance Argument, identify evidence, write solid evidence statements, engage with members of the campus community during a mock site visit, and work successfully with the team and chair to meet deadlines in the process.
The program will be led by HLC staff members and experienced peer reviewers.
SparQ
You’ll participate in online aspects of the program and complete pre-work through SparQ, HLC’s hub for collaborative learning. Login information for SparQ will be provided at least one week prior to the first session.
Who Should Attend?
New peer reviewers selected through HLC application process, or accepted, inactive peer reviewers who need to be trained.
Program Fees
The New Peer Review Training Registration Fee is $195 per person.
The overnight guest room rate is $139 per night plus tax. See the Hotel & Travel page for more information.
Payment Options
HLC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Cancellations & Refunds
All cancellation requests must be sent to HLC in writing to [email protected].
Refunds resulting from cancellations will be based on the following dates:
- Cancellations requested on or before January 31, 2025, will be eligible for a full refund less a $25 processing fee per person.
- Cancellations requested between February 1 and March 7, 2025 will be eligible for a 50% refund less a $25 processing fee per person.
- No-shows or cancellations requested on or after March 8, 2025, are not eligible for a refund.
Schedule at a Glance
Schedule is subject to change. Access virtual sessions through SparQ.
Virtual Session 1: Friday, February 21
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Welcome & Orientation to the Peer Corps
9:30–10:00 a.m.
Standard and Open Pathways at HLC
10:15–10:45 a.m
Standard and Open Pathways: Team Structure, Assignments, Process, and Expectations
10:45–11:30 a.m.
Breakout for Small Group Discussion
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Questions and What’s Next
Virtual Session 2: Friday, February 28
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Evaluating Distance Education
9:30–10:00 a.m.
Federal Compliance
10:15–10:45 a.m
Introduction to the Criteria for Accreditation
10:45–11:30 a.m.
Breakout for Small Group Discussion
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Questions and How to Plan for the In-Person Training
In-Person Session: Monday, March 10
There will be an optional welcome reception Sunday, March 9 from 5–7 p.m. for attendees to meet fellow new peer reviewers and HLC staff members and collect materials.
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Plan for the Day
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Criteria for Accreditation: Focus on Evidence
10:15–10:30 a.m
Break
10:30–11:00 a.m
Writing for the Criteria with Evidence
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Case Study Discussion: Goldenrod University
12:15–1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00–1:30 p.m.
Met/Not Met and Pathway Eligibility
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Open Forum Discussion Simulation
3:45–4:45 p.m.
Case Study Discussion 3: Goldenrod University
4:45–5:00 p.m.
Closing & Final Questions
We request that your flight departs no earlier than 7:00 p.m. CT to ensure enough time to travel to the airport. The session will not conclude before 5:00 p.m. CT.
Location
Hyatt Rosemont Chicago O’Hare
6350 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Please note: This hotel is currently called Hyatt Rosemont. In February 2025, it will be re-named Hyatt Centric Rosemont.
Overnight Accommodations
HLC has secured a block of guest rooms at the Hyatt Rosemont at a special group rate of $139.00 plus tax.
Reservations should be made directly with the Hyatt.
Book by clicking the link below or call 1-888-421-1442. Be sure to reference code G-HLCM to ensure you receive the HLC group rate.
Check In Time: 3:00 p.m. | Check Out Time: 12:00 p.m.
Reservation Deadline
Guest room reservations must be made by 5:00 p.m. CT on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Guest Room Cancellation
Guest rooms must be cancelled at least 48 hours prior to scheduled arrival date. Reservations cancelled less than 2 days before arrival are subject to cancellation charges by the hotel.
Accessing the Hyatt Rosemont
From the Airport
The Hyatt Rosemont is located next to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). A complimentary shuttle from Terminal 2 runs 24/7, no reservation necessary.
Parking
If you are arriving by car, self-parking is available at the Hyatt for $25 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals will be provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided on Monday, March 10. Beverages and light snacks will be provided at the evening welcome reception on Sunday, March 9.
What should I do if I need to check in before Sunday and/or stay after Monday?
If you require additional guest room nights before or after the official training dates, rooms are available at the Hyatt Rosemont at a discounted rate. Use the booking link found in your registration confirmation email or on this site.
What time should I plan to depart on Monday, March 10?
HLC requests that you book a return flight no earlier than 7:00 p.m. CT to ensure you have adequate time to travel to the airport. The session will not conclude before 5:00 p.m. CT.
Will there be any pre-work to complete prior to the training?
Required work before or between sessions will be communicated via SparQ. Attendees will be required to read a case study prior to the first virtual training session.
When will we receive the login information for SparQ?
Login information for SparQ will be provided at least one week prior to the start of the event.
Are the virtual sessions required?
The virtual training sessions on Friday, February 21, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CT and Friday, February 28, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CT are required to attend, as well as the in-person training on March 10.
What is Canopy used for?
Canopy is the central location for peer reviewers to manage their service records, conduct reviews, and access resources. Please review your acceptance letter for tasks to related to Canopy. You will not complete these tasks until after you successfully complete New Peer Reviewer Training.
What if my contact information changes between now and the training?
Please send changes in your contact information to [email protected].
What should I bring to the training?
Participants should bring their laptop to access SparQ and other data, or materials. Complimentary wireless internet is available at the Hyatt Rosemont.
What should I wear to the training?
Business casual is requested, and we recommend layers due to the variance of temperatures in venue spaces.
What if I am staying overnight but cannot make it to the Sunday welcome reception?
No problem! The welcome reception is casual and optional. There will not be a presentation; it will be an informal opportunity for you to become acquainted with your fellow peer reviewers and HLC staff.