SWAGÊÓƵ

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. SWAGÊÓƵ’s next reaffirmation of accreditation will occur in 2034-2035. SWAGÊÓƵ is currently accredited through .

2024 HLC Self-Study and Reaffirmation of Accreditation

• • 2024 Self-Study
  • 2024 HLC Peer Review Team Report
  • 2024 HLC Reaffirmation Letter

Recent HLC Initiatives

• • 2024 Self-Study
  • Quality Improvement Initiative

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:

• • Assurance Filing (mid-cycle year 4 report verifying SWAGÊÓƵ continues to meet accreditation requirements)
  • 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)
  • Notification and Approval (ongoing interaction regarding significant changes to academic programs, contractual arrangements, and additional locations, among others)

HLC Substantive Change Requirements

In order to meet SWAGÊÓƵ’s continuing obligations for accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), SWAGÊÓƵ adheres to all substantive change standards, requirements, policies, and procedures maintained by the HLC.  The federal government requires the HLC to monitor its member institutions’ substantive change activity, and the HLC has established policies and procedures for institutional compliance.  Failure to maintain such compliance can result in significant negative impact from the HLC and the US Department of Education, including loss of eligibility for Title IV funding, federal grants and contracts, or fines imposed by the federal government.  

• SWAGÊÓƵ HLC Substantive Change Guidelines
• SWAGÊÓƵ HLC Additional Locations Procedures
• SWAGÊÓƵ HLC Contractual Arrangement Procedure