Higher Learning Commission
Since 1916, the University of Northern Colorado has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. UNC’s next reaffirmation of accreditation will occur in 2024-2025, when an HLC peer review team will visit campus on October 21-23, 2024. UNC is currently accredited through HLC’s Open Pathway.
Current HLC Initiatives
HLC Accreditation Cycle
HLC-accredited institutions participate in comprehensive reviews for reaffirmation of accreditation every ten years. Within each 10-year cycle, accredited institutions must meet ongoing obligations of accreditation between comprehensive reviews. Major activities occurring throughout the accreditation cycle include the following:
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- Assurance Filing (mid-cycle year 4 report verifying UNC continues to meet accreditation requirements)
- Multi-Location Review and Site Visit (occurs every five years to ensure ongoing quality of UNC’s off-campus locations)
- Quality Improvement Initiative (occurs years 5-9 of the accreditation cycle, with HLC-approved institutional improvement project)
- Annual Institutional Update (data report submitted each year for ongoing financial and student success monitoring)
- Substantive Change Notification and Approval (ongoing interaction regarding significant changes to academic programs, contractual arrangements, and additional locations, among others)
