Policy & Government Affairs

MSCHE Accreditation Policy Eight-Year Cycle

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is implementing a new accreditation policy establishing an eight-year review cycle, effective July 1, 2025. This policy mandates comprehensive self-study evaluations and on-site visits at least every eight years, alongside annual monitoring activities.

MSCHE Accreditation Review and Monitoring Procedures

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has issued updated procedures for its accreditation review cycle and ongoing monitoring of institutions. These procedures, effective July 1, 2025, detail the processes for self-study evaluations, on-site visits, follow-up reports, and annual monitoring.

MSCHE Accreditation Activities Guidelines

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has issued new Accreditation Activities Guidelines, effective January 1, 2026. These guidelines describe the range of accreditation activities, including reviews, proceedings, and related visits, to ensure clarity for institutions seeking or maintaining accreditation.

SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation for Quality Enhancement

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) has published its Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement. This document outlines the core requirements, comprehensive standards, and federal requirements for institutions seeking or maintaining accreditation in the Southern states and Latin America.

SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation for Quality Enhancement

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has updated its 2018 Principles of Accreditation for Quality Enhancement. These principles outline the standards and mission for degree-granting higher education institutions within its region and internationally.

HLC Criteria for Accreditation Revisions

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has revised its Criteria for Accreditation, effective September 1, 2025. These revisions update the standards by which institutions are evaluated for accreditation and reaffirmation, focusing on institutional mission and ethical conduct.

HLC Eligibility Requirements for Institutional Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Board of Trustees adopted revisions to its Eligibility Requirements for institutional accreditation status. These revisions, effective immediately as of October 31, 2024, update the criteria institutions must meet to be granted candidate or accredited status.

HLC Assumed Practices Revisions for Higher Education Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has revised its Assumed Practices policy (CRRT.C.10.010), with revisions effective September 1, 2025, and further revisions effective immediately on November 6, 2025. These practices are foundational to accreditation and institutions are expected to be in compliance at all times.

HLC Accreditation Policies: Membership Obligations

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has outlined its "Obligations of Membership" policy, detailing the voluntary agreements institutions make when seeking or holding HLC membership. This policy specifies requirements for periodic evaluations, reporting, transparency, and notification of significant institutional changes or adverse actions from other bodies.

Revised Federal Compliance Requirements for Educational Institutions

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has adopted revised Federal Compliance Requirements for its member institutions, effective September 1, 2026. These revisions update policies related to various aspects of institutional operations and compliance with federal regulations.