In just two weeks, RWC will host a team of very important visitors: the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) site evaluation team. The visit is the culmination of the College’s self study process requesting re-accreditation from the HLC. The evaluation team members received our self study several weeks ago in preparation for their campus visit. HLC re-accreditation is so important because it verifies that an institution meets specific criteria and offers quality education. Accreditation by the HLC, through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, confers status on our courses and degrees, facilitates transfer of credits and financial aid for students, and offers an assurance of quality to prospective students.
The site visit, slated for May 4-6, is the final step in our preparation for re-accreditation. During those three days, the HLC site evaluation team, which is comprised of educators from universities and community colleges throughout the North Central Region, performs an in-depth review of the entire institution to determine how well the college fulfills its mission and meets five general criteria: mission and integrity; preparing for the future; student learning and effective teaching; acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge; and engagement and service.
Over the next few weeks, you will continue to see plenty of activity in preparation for the HLC site visit. Much of this work focuses on logistics for the actual team visit, including setting up the on-campus resource room and the associated on-line “resource room” for the HLC Team; arranging space and attendees for various meetings with the team; and even ensuring our physical facilities are cleaned, polished and spotless.
Prior to leaving campus on May 6, the team chair will orally report a summary of the team findings and recommendations with the dean. However, it typically then takes several months for the team report to receive approval by the Higher Learning Commission; thus we can’t consider the reaccreditation process completed until we have that final HLC authorization.
Your input may be requested by members of the team and you might even find yourself in a casual hallway conversation with a team member. I ask that you warmly welcome the team members as our campus guests.