Donna Kragt: HLC Liaison April 11, 2017 Update on Accreditation At Academic Governing Council Donna Kragt: HLC Liaison April 11, 2017

GRCC has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1917 First accredited: January 1, 1917 Most recent action: Location approvals for Wyoming Middle College and Cedar Springs Institutional Status and Requirements Report

A system of Peer Review 4 major requirements 1. Accreditation Criteria (2014) * Mission * Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct * Teaching and Learning : Quality Resources, and Support * Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement * Resources, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness The Criteria for Accreditation are the standards of quality by which the Commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation. Five criteria and associated components. -

2. Assumed Practices (2015). 40 specific requirements. Examples: 2. Assumed Practices (2015) * 40 specific requirements Examples: “The college shall have an ethics policy for faculty and staff” “The college has clear guidelines for receiving student complaints” “Instructors have the authority for the assignment of grades.” 3. 14 Obligations of Affiliation (mostly outlining what we will pay for) Assumed practices – 40 specific requirements “The college shall have an ethics policy for faculty and staff” “The college has clear guidelines for receiving student complaints” “Instructors have the authority for the assignment of grades.” 14 Obligations of Affiliation (mostly outlining what we will pay for) Monitoring for Federal Compliance HLC is required by the U.S. Department of Education to assure that all of its affiliated institutions are complying with the expectations of specific regulations accreditors must enforce as a part of their federal recognition. In addition, HLC is required to review institutions’ compliance with their Title IV program responsibilities.

4. Monitoring for Federal Compliance HLC is required by the U. S 4. Monitoring for Federal Compliance HLC is required by the U.S. Department of Education to assure that all of its affiliated institutions are complying with the expectations of specific federal regulations. * Assignment of credits, program length and tuition) * Institutional records of student complaints * Transfer policies * Verification of student identity * Title IV monitoring (federal financial aid) * Transparency of information * Advertising and recruitment materials * Student outcome data (retention and completion rates) * Standing with State and other accrediting agencies * Public opportunity to comment * Competency based programs

* Standard Pathway * Open Pathway * AQIP Pathway Three HLC Options: * Standard Pathway * Open Pathway * AQIP Pathway

AQIP Pathway. GRCC was an inaugural member of AQIP in 2000 AQIP Pathway * GRCC was an inaugural member of AQIP in 2000 * Six categories within which the Accreditation Criteria are imbedded: 1. Helping Students Learn 2. Meeting Student and Other Key Stakeholder Needs 3. Valuing Employees 4. Planning and Leading 5. Knowledge Management and Resource Stewardship 6. Quality Focus

AQIP Action Projects Integrated into our Strategic Plan Monitored by the Deans Council First Scholars SARS Early Alert and Scheduling System Guided Pathways Initiative Zero Based Budgeting Initiative

GRCC Timeline 2017-18 Year Institutional Activities 2015-16 2016-17 Prep work for Systems Portfolio – Assign category leads, determine data required 2016-17 Prep work for Systems Portfolio – Data collection/initial draft prepared Location Site visit: Wyoming Middle College 2017-18 Submit Systems Portfolio (November, 2017) 2018-19 Respond to Systems Appraisal 2019-20 Attend Strategy Forum (or next year) 2020-21 Attend Strategy Forum (or previous year) 2021-22 Submit Systems Portfolio and Federal Compliance Filing 2022-23 Quality Checkup Visit Comprehensive Quality Review with final recommendation for reaccreditation

New Opportunity HLC maintains a Peer Corps of approximately 1,600 faculty and administrators from institutions within the 19-state North Central region. They are responsible for assuring that an institution is complying with the accreditation criteria as well as for helping an institution advance within the context of its own mission. Peer Reviewer Diversity Initiative of 2015 GOAL: 20% of Peer Reviewers from minority groups