In April 2020, Union College will host the High Learning Commissions for a regular accreditation site visit that typically happens every 10 years.
The HLC last visited campus in the fall of 2009 and awarded Union a 10-year accreditation. A decade is the maximum accreditation term granted by HLC, one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the north central region of the United States.
“Accreditation from HLC demonstrates the quality of a school and show that it lives up to certain high standards for collegiate education,” said Vinita Sauder, president of Union College. “Without it, our students couldn’t receive federal loans or grants and our nursing, physician assistant and education graduates wouldn’t be licensed or certified.”
The HLC accreditation process is now ongoing as Union College has adopted the Academic Quality Improvement Program model. That means that Union works to consistently assess all areas of the education process and address areas that need improvement. Leading up to and during the accreditation visit, accreditors from peer institutions will do an in-depth review of Union’s processes, programs and structures to make sure they meet HLC standards.
You can help.
Union College is seeking comments from the public about the college in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The college will host a visit on April 6-8, 2020, from a team of peer reviewers representing the Higher Learning Commission. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Union College has been accredited by HLC since 1923.
Comments must be in writing and must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs.
Submit comments to HLC at hlcommission.org/comment or mail them to the address below. All comments must be received by March 9, 2020.
Public Comment on Union College
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411