The Commission has institutional policies that affect the affiliation of colleges and universities with the Commission. The policy book is updated throughout the year.

Recent Board Actions on Policies

The Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission met on February 21-22, 2013. The following actions took place.

Adopted Policy Changes

The Board adopted the following revised policies. They are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.

Policy changes related to transparency

Proposed Policy Changes   

The Board approved on first reading the following proposed revised policies. The Commission invites comments on these proposed policies before the Board takes final action in June 2013. Comments can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Comments must be received by May 6, 2013.



Policy changes related to Assumed Practices and the Obligations of Affiliation: First Reading
 
* In the past the Criteria for Accreditation, which now include the Assumed Practices, have been reviewed in their entirety every five years. In the future, adjustments to the Criteria or Assumed Practices will be considered by the Board annually, usually with first reading in February and second reading in June.

Updated Information on Federal Compliance

The Commission has published information on Commission expectations for institutions and teams related to the new federally-mandated policy on the credit hour and updates related to the Federal Compliance Program. They are effective for visits beginning January 1, 2013.

Institutional Change

The Commission recognizes that change within affiliated institutions is constant and supports change to improve educational quality. The Commission has defined specific conditions under which the institution needs to obtain authorization before implementing changes because they may affect accreditation.

A complete list of Commission Policies related to the Higher Education Opportunity Act is available. 

Information on Procedures and Approvals

•    Procedures for Change of Control, Structure or Organization
•    Appeals Procedure 2012