Higher Learning Commission Committee Nominations

• HLC Accreditation Criteria
• Roles and Responsibilities of Committee Co-Chairs and Members
• Self-Study Timeline
• Nomination Form

Letter from President Kay Norton

Colleagues,

In 2014-2015, UNC will be visited by a review team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as part of our reaffirmation of accreditation. UNC, like many institutions, participates in the accreditation process because it is an opportunity for us to take responsibility for the quality and continuous improvement of the educational experiences we offer our students. There are also strong incentives for institutions to seek and maintain accreditation. Among other things, accreditation qualifies UNC to administer federal financial aid for students and to receive other federal grants and contracts, as well as ensuring transferability and recognition of credits earned by students.

Prior to the HLC review team visit, we will complete a comprehensive self-study to evaluate how effectively we are engaging in continuous improvement and the extent to which we are meeting the HLC accreditation criteria. The self-study process and results are part of our ongoing planning to help UNC meet the challenges of providing transformative higher education in the 21st century. Participating in the self-study is an opportunity to play a significant role in UNC’s effort to maintain accreditation and also to contribute to UNC’s future.

To complete the self-study, we will be convening several committees made up of faculty, staff and administrators to look closely at each of the HLC criteria. One of our priorities for the self-study is to include broad representation from across the university. Each committee will be co-chaired by a faculty member and a staff person, and membership is open to any employee of the university.

I am writing today to invite nominations (including self-nominations) for service on these committees.  The HLC Steering Committee, working with campus governance groups in the spirit of shared governance, will review the nominations and make a recommendation to me regarding the composition of the committees.

Several documents that may be of interest as you consider the nomination process are available online: (1) HLC accreditation criteria; (2) roles and responsibilities of committee co-chairs and members; and (3) self-study timeline.

To nominate yourself or someone else, please complete the nomination form by July 27, 2012.  If you would like additional information, please contact self-study coordinators Kim Black (kim.black@unco.edu) or Michelle Behr (michelle.behr@unco.edu).

Best,
Kay  Norton