College recognized for high educational quality standards in re-accreditation

The College of Lake County recently received reaffirmation of accreditation from its regional accrediting agency. CLC received the highest possible rating on more than 120 criteria, demonstrating that the college meets quality standards for the rigor of its academic programs, assisting students financially and with educational support, managing its finances and planning for future needs.

Accreditation entitles CLC to continue disbursing federal financial aid, participating in federally funded programs and issuing degrees and certificates.

CLC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which ensures educational quality and compliance with federal regulations for about 1,300 institutions in a 19-state region.

"The HLC affirmed that CLC consistently met standards of educational excellence, and the high rating is a credit to our faculty and staff who work tirelessly every day to help students realize their career or educational dreams," said CLC Board of Trustees Chair Richard Anderson.

CLC Interim President Dr. Rich Haney explained, "Receiving this re-accreditation validates the college's commitment to providing a high-quality, economical education that is accessible to the communities we serve. We are honored to receive such a high rating from the Higher Learning Commission."

The HLC commended the college for transparency, ethical conduct and for having "robust" services available to help student academic success. The HLC also cited CLC's commitment to cultural diversity, student retention and persistence as well as regular improvement of academic programs. Additionally, the report noted how CLC maintains a good financial rating and effective management of fiscal resources.

Accreditation is an evaluation process that ensures colleges and universities are delivering high-quality education through their programs and services. Institutions that HLC accredits are evaluated against HLC's Criteria for Accreditation, a set of standards that institutions must meet to receive and, or maintain accredited status. CLC operates on an eight-year accreditation cycle, during which HLC requires the college to do several activities, including conducting quality improvement projects each year. The college also must document areas including financial status and student progress.

The HLC sent a seven-member team of reviewers to CLC in March to verify that the college complies with federal and industry standards. The HLC team required CLC to provide evidence of how the college ensures that students graduate with skills needed to succeed at a bachelor's-degree granting institution or in the workforce. During this visit, the reviewers held meetings with students, faculty, trustees and administrators at the Grayslake, Lakeshore (Waukegan) and Southlake (Vernon Hills) campuses.

The team also required evidence of how well CLC's programs support students who need help. HLC officials examined evidence of how CLC enforces standards of integrity and ethics in its operations and inquired into CLC's decision-making processes to ensure they are driven by CLC's mission and informed by data. As a result of the visit, the review team determined that CLC fully meets each criterion and fulfills all expectations for accreditation.

CLC's Spring Semester courses begin Jan. 16, 2018. To view spring course offerings and learn more about how to become a student, visit www.clcillinois.edu/spring.