Pathways 2017 HLC Accreditation Overview Presented by Maria

Pathways 2017: HLC Accreditation Overview Presented by: Maria Cuzzo & Jenice Meyer 2016

What is accreditation? Verifying that our institution meets standards established by peers (Peer review) “License” to operate Thoughtful self-study of our strengths, areas for improvement and best practices Providing assurance to the public and public officials about quality

The Standard Pathways Cycle Difference between the Monitoring Report and the Assurance Argument Evaluations are done TWICE per decade: Year 4 and Year 10 Both quality assurance and quality improvement are integrated into comprehensive evaluations Most frequently chosen Pathway by HLC institutions

“Criteria vs. Standards” A culture of aspiration and continuous improvement rather than satisfaction of minimal standards Acknowledgment of great diversity of HLC member institutions

Elements of Accreditation Guiding values: understandings and intentions underlying criteria Obligations of affiliation: the meaning of being a “member” of HLC Criteria for accreditation: CENTRAL CORE Assumed practices: matters of fact vs. judgment; unlikely to vary by institution Federal Compliance: meeting federal law

End Goals Peer Reviewers can rate a campus on each criterion and criterion subcomponent with: Met without Concerns Met with Concerns Not Met

Federal Compliance process varies from criterion teams Team began work in July of 2015 Will submit their packet in October of 2016 Areas include: Institutional Records of Student Complaints, Publication of Transfer Policies, and Campus Crime Information, Athletic Participation and Financial Aid, and Related Disclosures.

Criterion One Mission The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.

Criterion Two Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

Criterion Three Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources & Support The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.

Criterion Four Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.

Criterion Five Resources, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness The institution’s resources, structures, and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. The institution plans for the future.

Timeline of our Pathways 2017 HLC Process

What’s next? Teams are working Over spring, evidence will be gathered Your insights might be needed Report deadline is March 2017 Site visit is April 2017

This is a great adventure! Walk the Pathway with us and our institution will be better for it! Thanks for your help!