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HLC Accreditation

A page within HLC Accreditation

HLC Accreditation

As part of its ongoing review of all its client institutions, including UWL, the Higher Learning Commission evaluates institutions on a 10-year cycle, and we are due for our 10-year comprehensive review. We will be finalizing the full HLC Assurance Argument (our self-study report) in March of 2026 and our HLC Site Visit will be on April 20-21, 2026.

HLC Documents and Site Visit Information

2026 HLC Assurance Argument

  • Report linked here soon.

2022-2025 Quality Initiative

Key Dates for HLC Review:

  • March 23, 2026: Assurance Argument Due Date
  • April 20-21, 2026: HLC Site Visit
HLC Cycle

Detailed Schedule and Process

  • 2015-16: Previous 10-year Review (site visit)
  • 2019-20: Mid-Cycle 4-Year Assurance Review (virtual)
  • 2020-2024: Year 5-9 Quality Initiative. UWL's Quality Initiative this cylce was Mind's Matter: an initiative focused on a public health approach to promoting mental health with a focus on enhancing student success through increased attention to a healthy campus environment.
    • Quality Initiative Report Due Date: June 2025
  • 2025-26: 10-Year Reaccreditation Review 
    • Assurance Argument Due Date: March 23, 2026
    • HLC Site Visit: April 20-21, 2026
  • 2029-30: Mid-Cycle 4-Year Assurance Review (virtual)
  • 2030-2034: Year 5-9 Quality Initiative

The 10-Year Reaccreditation Review consists of the following steps:

  1. The university prepares and submits an Assurance Argument, a comprehensive report that demonstrates the UWL meets the four Criteria and Core Components that HLC requires for ongoing accreditation.
  2. The university files a Federal Compliance Review in which we demonstrate that UWL complies with specific regulations established by the US Department of Education.
  3. HLC conducts an online survey of our students.
  4. The HLC Peer Review Team assigned to UWL reviews the Assurance Argument, Federal Compliance Filing, and the results of the student survey. 
  5. HLC Peer Review Team visits campus as part of their comprehensive review. The team works with the institution to create the agenda for the visit, which typically includes meetings with the institution’s leadership and board, as well as open forums with faculty, staff and students.
  6. HLC Peer Review Team drafts a report and sends it to UWL. We will have the opportunity to review the report for factual errors.
  7. HLC Peer Review Team revises their report (if necessary) and submits it to HLC's Institutional Action Council.
  8. HLC Institutional Action Council makes a final determination.

Accreditation 101

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is 1 of 6 regional accrediting agencies, formally recognized by the US Dept. of Education.

Accreditation is a mark of quality, integrity, and financial soundness. It is required for eligibility for Title IV financial aid.

Why UWL cares about HLC Accreditation:

  • Assurance of academic program quality and credibility
  • Eligibility for federal financial aid and scholarships
  • Facilitates transferability of credits
  • Enables professional licensure and certification