HLC offers faculty members, independent scholars, and graduate students opportunities to work on a dedicated project connected to higher education accreditation that may use HLC resources and data. This program was created to advance the following purposes:

• To support a new or ongoing research project by studying and analyzing data or reports submitted to HLC by its member institutions or peer reviewers.
• To pursue a research question using HLC’s data and other resources.
• To create resource materials for print or web-based publications designed to benefit member institutions or the higher education community.
• To advance an approved independent research project submitted by a research scholar or graduate student that will enhance understanding of current issues facing higher education and support the public good.

For purposes of this program description and the associated application process, HLC defines “visiting scholars” as presently employed faculty members or independently funded scholars, and “research fellows” as graduate students who are engaged in advanced research toward the completion of their master’s or doctoral programs.

HLC offers its resources to approved scholars and research fellows with the understanding that they preserve the confidentiality of member institutions and all individuals associated with HLC and its institutional members. Furthermore, scholars and fellows will avoid any conflicts of interest in developing their research design, pursuing research activities, and preparing materials for publication.

An appointment as a visiting scholar or research fellow will be for a designated time period, which may be extended upon mutual agreement between the individual and HLC.

Participating with HLC as a visiting scholar or research fellow does not constitute employment by HLC, nor may the visiting scholar or research fellow represent HLC in any way. HLC expects approved scholars and fellows to maintain high ethical standards and integrity, high professional standards of practice and workplace activity, and excellent communication with their contact person at HLC.

Selection Process

HLC may choose to limit the number of visiting scholars or research fellows at any time depending on the capacity and resources of HLC and the suitability of the research project proposed. A committee of professional staff members will determine eligibility for the program and review applications. Individuals who apply will be notified within four weeks if their application has been accepted. HLC reserves the right to deny acceptance into its program for visiting scholars and research fellows without explanation.

Application Process

Applicants for visiting scholars and research fellows may include faculty at all academic levels, administrators, graduate students at an advanced stage of their academic program, and independent scholars. Visiting scholars may also be independent researchers who are not affiliated with an HLC member institution. When space or time is limited, preference for available research appointments will be given to faculty who are on continuing appointments at member institutions. Applicants may apply to work at HLC’s Chicago offices, or off-site, with limited access to HLC materials.

Research Project Proposal

To apply, individuals should send a letter to HLC outlining the proposed research project and its relationship to HLC resources. Applicants should also indicate the time period of the proposed project and whether an on-site appointment is being sought.

A formal project description is required of each applicant and should contain a formal proposal that addresses the following elements: research design and methodology; brief literature review with research questions; proposed methodology for collecting and/or using data. Each application should also include a statement about the scope of the research and its intended outcomes. In addition, the formal proposal should address the following elements:

• If individuals will be surveyed or polled (e.g., members of the Peer Corps), identify the specific population and provide a sample of the survey instrument.
• In situations where Institutional Review Board approval is required by the scholar’s home institution, provide evidence of consent at the time of the proposal submission.
• If restricted or sensitive data will be evaluated, indicate how this material will be preserved and safeguarded and describe how data and materials will be stored in the future to assure continued confidentiality of materials collected from the project.
• If external funding will be pursued:
  • Explain how the funding structure will be administered and whether any external requirements would be placed on HLC, especially if HLC were to be named as a “participant” in the study.
  • Identify who will be responsible for allocating research funds and who will be responsible for reconciling all budgets at the conclusion of the project.

Proposals should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and the names of three references, one of whom must be the applicant’s immediate supervisor. Send complete application information to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

HLC may seek additional information before making a determination as to participation in the program. Please note that visiting scholars and research fellows receive no compensation.

Additional Considerations

All visiting scholars and research fellows will be expected to sign a confidentiality agreement and a conflict of interest statement, in addition to a letter confirming the terms of the appointment. For individuals who may be participating in the program on-site at HLC’s office in Chicago, the letter will also outline additional expectations connected to typical office procedures and the work environment maintained by HLC.

Access to specific HLC databases and other types of information will be determined on a case-by-case basis.