Higher Learning Commission Accredition

Higher Learning Commission Accredition

 
 
 

Vincennes University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). VU’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the HLC in 2018 for ten years; VU’s next reaffirmation will occur in 2028-2029.

From 2004 through 2018, VU’s accreditation was affirmed via the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Pathway. Since 2018, VU’s has been accredited via the Standard Pathway. 

As part of the Standard Pathway accreditation process, VU will participate in Comprehensive Evaluations in 2022-2023 and again as a lead-up to reaffirmation in 2028-2029.

The Comprehensive Evaluation includes a main campus, on-site visit and a Multi-Campus Evaluation at the Jasper Campus. In preparation for the visits, VU will submit an Assurance Argument and, for support, an Evidence File. The Assurance Argument is VU’s opportunity to describe its compliance with the HLC Criteria for Accreditation and provide evidence of how the institution has made improvements to Criteria processes. For the 2028-2029 Comprehensive Evaluation, VU will also submit a Federal Compliance Filing and work with the HLC to conduct a Student Opinion Survey.

The Criteria for Accreditation represent the HLC's standards of quality; they are used by the HLC to affirm the quality of accredited institutions. Each Criterion is subdivided into Core Components and Subcomponents. 

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The five main areas of Criteria focus are the following:

Criterion 1. Mission: The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.

Criterion 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct: The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

Criterion 3. Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support: The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.

Criterion 4. Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement:  The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.

Criterion 5. Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness: The institution’s resources, structures, and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. The institution plans for the future.