Defining the relationship between federal compliance regulations and HLC enforcement

How are the accreditation standards for higher education institutions determined? With the University of Kansas’ 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation site visit approaching on March 3-5, one might wonder who sets and enforces those benchmarks.

As there is no centralized authority with single national control over postsecondary educational institutions in the U.S., the Department of Education relies on higher education accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to ensure institutions demonstrate adherence to federal compliance as a condition of accreditation. The HLC helps ensure that institutions meet rigorous academic standards by evaluating all aspects of their offerings and operations.

The HLC defines its criteria for accreditation, or standards of quality, in partnership with its member institutions and stakeholders. One of these foundational requirement categories also includes federal compliance requirements, which evaluate:

• Assignment of credits, program length and tuition,
• Institutional mechanisms for handling student complaints,
• Publication of transfer policies,
• Practices for verification of student identity,
• Protection of student privacy,
• Publication of student outcome data,
• Standing with state and other accreditors, and
• Recruiting, admissions and related institutional practices.

These requirements confirm that institutions provide a basic level of protection for students and public dollars. In addition, reaffirmation of accreditation is vital in upholding KU’s reputation and stature as an international R1 research university, as well as ensuring the value and recognition of the university’s degrees; allowing KU to receive federal funding, such as student financial aid; and signaling to students, employers and other educational institutions that the university meets or exceeds national standards. Institutional accreditation also is a prerequisite to the accreditation of KU’s individual schools and programs.

This rigorous, evidence-based process includes compiling proof of compliance through an approximately 35,000-word Assurance Argument, Branch Campus Report, a Federal Compliance Report and a site visit.

With help from various stakeholders across KU’s campuses, Criterion Committee members from Lawrence/Edwards and the Medical Center have collaboratively developed these materials and submitted the final documents in January.

Ahead of KU’s March site visit, a federal compliance reviewer has evaluated the materials and noted areas of exploration to a peer review team made of faculty and administrators from other higher education institutions.

During the visit, the peer review team will then determine whether the Federal Compliance reviewer’s preliminary findings accurately represent KU’s compliance with all applicable requirements. They will also be looking for compelling stories of mission fulfillment in a quest for continuous improvement.

A schedule of events during the site visit, including public forums in which faculty, staff and students are encouraged to share their KU experiences, is posted online.

For more information on how to prepare and participate in the university’s accreditation efforts, visit the KU HLC accreditation site.