HLC invites comments on accreditation

Northwestern College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Nov. 9 and 10 by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission. Northwestern has been accredited as a liberal arts college by the commission since 1970.

The commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation, which is voluntary, evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs.

The commission accredits approximately 950 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. The commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

For the past year and a half, Northwestern has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission’s requirements and criteria for accreditation. The evaluation team will visit Northwestern to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the college. Following a review process, the commission will take its final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college to: Public Comments on Northwestern College, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411. Comments may also be submitted at www.ncahlc.org.

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of Northwestern College or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Oct. 12. The commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered.