HLC - Criteria for Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission has outlined four "cross-cutting themes" ("overarching" / "fundament") that transcend the individual Criteria for Accreditation and suggest an organizational scheme for self-study and a structure for self-study reports. In the table below, the themes are listed, with an indication of some of their attachments to the Criteria for Accreditation.
| Themes | Descriptors | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| The Future-Oriented Organization . . . | 1. Engages in planning | 2 |
| 2. Is driven by the mission | 1 | |
| 3. Understands social and economic change | 5 | |
| 4. Focuses on the futures of constituents | 4 | |
| 5. Integrates new technology | 3 | |
| The Learning-Focused Organization . . . | 1. Assesses student learning | 3 |
| 2. Supports learning | 3, 4 | |
| 3. Supports scholarship | 3, 4 | |
| 4. Creates the capacity for lifelong learning | 4 | |
| 5. Strengthens organizational learning | 1, 2, 5 | |
| The Connected Organization . . . | 1. Serves the common good. | 1 |
| 2. Serves constituents | 3, 4, 5 | |
| 3. Creates a culture of service | 3, 4, 5 | |
| 4. Collaborates | 3, 4, 5 | |
| 5. Engages in healthy internal communication | 2 | |
| The Distinctive Organization . . . | 1. Has an unambiguous mission | 1 |
| 2. Appreciates diversity | 1, 4 | |
| 3. Is accountable | 1, 3, 5 | |
| 4. Is self-reflective | 1, 2, 5 | |
| 5. Is committed to improvement | 2, 3 |
Navigate Criteria for Accreditation: Criterion 1 | Criterion 2 | Criterion 3 | Criterion 4 | Criterion 5 | Cross-Cutting Themes
Return to PANDA: Planning & Assessment | HLC2010