![](/web/20210507192644im_/https://www.hlcommission.org/images/policy_header_final-01.png)
Proposed Policy Changes
At its meeting on February 25–26, 2021, the Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission approved the following policy changes on first reading. HLC invites comments on these proposed policies before the Board takes final action on second reading in June 2021. Comments must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 21, 2021.
- Bylaw change related to HLC’s jurisdiction
The proposed change would extend HLC’s jurisdiction for accreditation to institutions of higher education that are incorporated in, or operating under federal authority in, the United States; and that have a substantial presence, as defined in HLC policy, in the United States. This change is possible due to revised federal regulations effective July 1, 2020 that indicate that the U.S. Department of Education will no longer limit historically regional accreditors’ geographic area of accrediting activities to a federally designated region. HLC issued a related press release on February 25, 2021 and will make further announcements as developments warrant. - Policy change related to HLC’s jurisdiction
The proposed policy change is related to the proposed Bylaw change and would extend HLC’s jurisdiction for accreditation to institutions of higher education that are incorporated in, or operating under federal authority in, the United States; and that have a substantial presence, as defined in HLC policy, in the United States. - Policy change related to accelerated initial accreditation
This new proposed policy is a companion to the proposed bylaw and policy changes related to HLC’s jurisdiction. It would establish an accelerated process for initial accreditation for institutions that, among other factors, have a proven history of quality assurance from a historically regional accreditor and that meet all HLC requirements after undergoing a rigorous evaluation process. Institutions that are interested in pursuing membership with HLC that would not qualify for accelerated initial accreditation but would otherwise meet HLC's jurisdiction requirements once revised would be eligible to seek accreditation through HLC's regular eligibility process. - Policy change related to the minimum size of Change Panels
The proposed change would provide additional flexibility in composing peer reviewer panels to evaluate substantive change requests. The revision would establish a minimum of two (rather than three) peer reviewers to align with anticipated practice in certain contexts. The change is expected to benefit member institutions by improving processing of substantive change requests. - Policy change related to HLC records and information
The proposed change would create a new policy that updates and consolidates information regarding HLC management and disclosure of records and information. - Policy change related to peer reviewer policies
The proposed changes would institutionalize HLC’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the Peer Corps, codify rules related to service in the Peer Corps following retirement, clarify that HLC may adjust terms of appointment, and underscore that any decision to terminate a peer reviewer’s service is final. The changes would also strengthen the standards of conduct for peer reviewers and clarify that Institutional Actions Council members are held to the same standards of conduct, to the extent applicable. - Policy change related to deletion of unnecessary policies
The proposed change would eliminate Determining Institutional Quality (INST.A.10.010), Institutional Conformity with HLC Requirements (INST.A.10.030) and Financial Panels (INST.F.20.020). The substance of these policies is accounted for and adequately covered elsewhere in HLC’s policies.