EVOLVE: The 2025 Strategic Plan
HLC's strategic plan, EVOLVE, identifies the guiding framework and action steps that the organization will pursue for the next four years. It is organized around six strategic directions, referred to as EVOLVE: Equity, Vision, Outcomes, Leadership, Value and Engagement.
Equity
HLC's equity goals focus on HLC's commitment to modeling fairness, quality and access for all learners and institutions; they also emphasize the importance of all students having equitable access to higher education.
Vision
The Mission and Vision statements of the Higher Learning Commission reflect the changing higher education and accreditation landscape. They also illustrate HLC's critical role in the higher education ecosystem.
Outcomes
HLC will continue its dedication to quality improvement around outcomes through EVOLVE by focusing on clarity, transparency, collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, a heightened sensitivity to institutional context during institutional evaluations and in the delivery of programs to support members.
Outcomes Goals and Action Steps
Leadership
HLC's leadership goals include the thought leadership role of HLC in higher education and all related processes: accreditation, student borrowing, student success, equity, state support etc., all of which are currently undergoing an unprecedented level of public scrutiny. The enhancement of leadership at education-related institutions and organizations must become an organizational priority to successfully restore public confidence in higher education.
Leadership Goals and Action Steps
Value
HLC will continue to strengthen its value to members, ensuring the importance of accreditation and quality assurance. It will also address HLC's role in impacting public perception about the value of higher education and its lifelong return on investment (ROI).
Engagement
As an active member of the higher education ecosystem, HLC will seek opportunities for engagement with member institutions, governmental bodies, students and other stakeholders. Engagement includes outreach efforts, advocacy and civic engagement.
