What is HLC?

The Higher Learning Commission is the commission empowered to conduct accrediting activities for degree-granting organizations of higher education. HLC was previously referred to as NCA (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is one of two independent corporations which holds membership in the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The other corporation, the Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI), accredits kindergarten through twelfth-grade level educational institutions and non-degree–granting post-secondary schools.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is formal recognition of the quality of an educational program or institution. Institutional accreditation, granted by the Higher Learning Commission, results from an evaluation of an entire institution. Evaluation will include educational activities, governance, administration, financial stability, admissions, student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with internal and external constituencies.

Specialized accreditation, also called program accreditation, is conducted by national professional accrediting bodies. At the University of Evansville, the programs in nursing, physical therapy, education, athletic training, and engineering all have specialized accreditation.

Why is institutional accreditation important?

Institutional accreditation provides recognition that an institution meets certain quality standards. Accreditation means that credits and degrees earned will be respected by employers and other educational institutions. Accreditation facilitates transferability of coursework and it provides access to student financial aid and certain federal funding opportunities.

What is the self-study process?

Prior to applying for re-accreditation the institution engages in a study of its own effectiveness in achieving its mission. The self-study, typically extending for approximately two years, is an opportunity for the institution to make a comprehensive evaluation of how well it is meeting its goals and to put into place changes or plans for improvements. At the end of the self-study the institution prepares a report for the Higher Learning Commission to use as a basis for evaluating the institution.

What is the accreditation history of the University of Evansville?

Evansville College (now the University of Evansville) first applied for and received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1931. The institution has been continuously accredited since that time. The most recent visit by the Higher Learning Commision of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools was November 13 - 15, 2005. In May, 2006, the University received notification that its continuing accreditation was approved, with the next comprehensive evaluation scheduled for 2015 - 2016.

What are the criteria on which the institution will be judged?

The broad criteria are listed below. A full listing of criteria plus specific required core components is available at on the HLC Criteria and Core Components web page.

1. Mission and Integrity
   The organization operates with integrity to ensure the fulfillment of its mission through structures and processes that involve the board, administration, faculty, staff, and students.

2. Preparing for the Future
   The organization’s allocation of resources and its processes for evaluation and planning demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its education, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

3. Student Learning and Effective Teaching
   The organization provides evidence of student learning and teaching effectiveness that demonstrates it is fulfilling its educational mission.

4. Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge
   The organization promotes a life of learning for its faculty, administration, staff, and students by fostering and supporting inquiry, creativity, practice, and social responsibility in ways consistent with its mission.

5. Engagement and Service
   As called for by its mission, the organization identifies its constituencies and serves them in ways both value.