Become a Peer Reviewer
Accreditation is built on peer review, and HLC relies on expert volunteers who play an essential role in assuring the quality of HLC’s member institutions.
On This Page:
- Benefits of Service
- Expectations for Reviewers
- Who We're Looking For
- How Reviewers are Selected
- Applying to the Peer Corps
Benefits of Service
Serving as a peer reviewer is an engaging, immersive experience. Gain insight from colleagues and develop a comprehensive understanding of HLC’s accreditation to help your home institution.
Expectations for Reviewers
Our peer reviewers are trained to evaluate colleges and universities and provide advice and consultation to help them continuously improve.
In the context of each institution’s mission, you’ll use HLC requirements to assess materials, conduct in-person and virtual evaluations, and write reports.
Here are some of the things you’ll do as a peer reviewer:
- Collaborate with a peer review team on evaluations, visits and panels
- Research institutions and thoroughly read submitted materials
- Engage with institutional representatives and communicate evaluation findings
- Maintain confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest with all assignments
Read more about peer reviewer Responsibilities and Expectations of Service.
Who We're Looking For
Wondering if the peer reviewer role is right for you? Generally, we’re looking for someone who:
- Listens attentively and communicates effectively
- Can examine materials with an eye for detail
- Gives constructive criticism tactfully and with care
- Is patient, flexible and can take direction
- Remains impartial and unbiased even in the face of conflicting opinions
- Has at least five years of experience in higher ed
- Has a master’s or other appropriate terminal degree; doctorate preferred. In certain circumstances, individuals with other recognized expertise, skills or experience may be eligible to serve
- Is currently employed by an institution accredited by and in good standing with HLC
- Primarily resides in the United States
How Peer Reviewers Are Selected
We ask applicants to submit a letter of application (500 words maximum) describing their relevant experiences along with a resume or CV.
In addition, each applicant should have two professional references who will be asked to assess the applicant based on traits we’re looking for.
Preference will be given to applicants who meet the diversity initiative or our areas of critical need.
- The Peer Corps Diversity Initiative seeks to increase the number of peer reviewers who reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of HLC’s member institutions.
- Critical needs areas reflect specific areas of expertise, specialty, types of institutions or Carnegie classification where HLC is in need of more reviewers.
Apply
Think you’d be a good fit for the role? HLC accepts peer reviewer applications on a rolling basis. Sign up to recieve the Leaflet newsletter to find out when the application will open next.
Questions?
Contact HLC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.