By: Jenin Hattab
Each institution is required to conduct exhaustive evaluations. The purpose is to confirm that the institution meets the criteria for accreditation and other HLC requirements. “HLC is fundamental for self-reflecting, and strengthening the future”. Susan Colon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Speech, Speech Coordinator, Visual and Performing Arts Department, and Interim Faculty Council President. This is the list of criteria that every institution has to meet mission; integrity, ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning quality, resources, and support; evaluation and improvement and institutional effectiveness; resources, and planning.
Gabe Estill, Ph.D. the Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Wright College said, “Wilbur Wright College received re-accreditation, maintaining its accredited status with the Higher Learning Commission. Wright is proud of this recognition and will continue to work hard to ensure student success. Wright met all core components of the Standard Pathway for Accreditation.
Based on feedback from the visit, Wright will focus on assessment of student learning and campus climate in preparation for its next visit.” The process is a committee of Wright staff members working in all different departments, for a diverse outcome. The committee writes up an assurance agreement, which is an argument supporting their given criterion with data. There are subcommittees of about two to three people that write each criterion. After HLC receives the agreement, they take about a month to review it until an in-person visit.
(Wilbur Wright College Library “Pyramid” Photo Credit: Adrian Panopio)
Five HLC visitors visited Wright College in mid-October 2023. Wright prepares for the HLC by restating their mission statement around campus, and staff has been made aware of months leading up to it. HLC meets with professors, facilities, deans, and students. While the HLC visitors did not observe classrooms. Instead, a student ambassador and college representative led the visitors on a campus tour, where they facilitated and asked questions.
The visitors did meet with students, during lunch asking them about their experiences at Wright and how Wright is meeting their needs. Based on the visit, HLC reported a review about whether or not each criterion was met, or met with concerts. The review explains their rating and highlights opportunities to improve. Wright received an HLC review within two months, and now Wright is making active improvements to meet the five criteria.
Wright is a standard pathway; a full equation is done every four to 10 years. Each year HLC checks in to see if changes are made, the last visit was the Mid-Cycle Review which requires monitoring, and a comprehensive evaluation in Year Four- and Wright is in year four of the cycle. The HLC Statement of Accreditation Status is public, on the Higher Learning Commission’s website.