ECC invites public comment as it prepares for reaccreditation visit

Elgin Community College seeks comments from the public about the college in preparation for its accreditation evaluation by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

ECC will host a comprehensive, on-site evaluation visit Oct. 26-27, 2015, with an HLC team.

An important part of the process is allowing the public an opportunity to make comments regarding ECC. The public can submit comments regarding ECC via mail or online.

Send comments to: Third-Party Public Comments on Elgin Community College, The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411.

Or, submit comments via The Higher Learning Commission website, www.ncahlc.org/Information-for-the-Public/third-party-comment.html.

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Sept. 26, 2015.

The commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments will not be treated as confidential, nor will anonymous comments be accepted.

Elgin Community College has maintained accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs.

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States that provides institutional accreditation. HLC accredits approximately 1,100 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. The commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

ECC's last comprehensive reaffirmation of accreditation took place in 2006. (www.ncahlc.org/component/directory/?Action=ShowBasic&Itemid=&instid=1086&lang=en). Since then, the college has engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission's requirements and criteria for accreditation. The HLC evaluation team will review the college's evidence to support the thorough and accurate work of the self-study. In turn, the team recommends to the commission a continuing status for the college, and following a review process, the commission itself takes the final action.

Note: Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate "Policy on Complaints" document from the HLC office. The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third-party comments.