Policy

Original Issuance Date: Unknown
Last Revision Date: January 15, 2020

1. Policy Purpose

The policy specifies the role of UW System Administration (UWSA) and members of the Board of Regents in regional accreditation reviews. The policy also clarifies the responsibility of the UW institutions to keep UWSA informed about all visits, reports, and results of Higher Learning Commission actions related to the institution.

2. Responsible UW System Officer

Associate Vice President of Academic Programs and Educational Innovation

3. Scope

UW System Administration and all UW institutions

4. Background

The policy aligns UW System practices and procedures to Higher Learning Commission expectations and UW Board of Regents policies.

5. Definitions

Higher Learning Commission (HLC): HLC is a regional accreditor that accredits colleges and universities in a 19-state region of the United States, including Wisconsin.

6. Policy Statement

The best interests of the UW institutions and the UW System will be served by relevant involvement of the UW System Administration (UWSA) and members of the Board of Regents in major accreditation reviews. Every effort should be made to maintain communication and engagement between UWSA and each UW institution during an accreditation review. Each UW institution shall provide accreditation schedules, reports, and accreditation updates to USWA in a timely manner.

7. Related Documents

UW System Administrative Procedure 175.A, Accreditation Visits and Reports

8. Policy History

Revision 2: January 15, 2020
Revision 1: June 3, 1997
First approved: Unknown

9. Scheduled Review

January 2024