The Higher Education Commission is an institutional accrediting body in the United States. In the past, it has accredited post-secondary institutions in the central United States. Its role in post-secondary education has changed significantly over the years, but the basic purpose remains unchanged: to promote and enhance educational standards. To this end, it has expanded its mandate beyond post-secondary education, focusing on undergraduate and graduate degrees and the professional preparation of teachers.
Institutions accredited by the American Higher Education Commission
There are several ways that a college can get its accreditation from the American Higher Education Commission. The agency will review all applications and then grant accreditation if a college meets certain standards. The commission can also take more drastic measures if an institution is not meeting standards. These include deferral of action and heightened monitoring. Deferred action means that the college has yet to earn accreditation for a specific area. However, the commission still has the authority to revoke an institution’s accreditation if it fails to do so. If an institution fails to address these concerns within a short time period, it may be granted a deferral of action.
There are six regional accrediting bodies in the United States,
each one evaluating the majority of educational institutions. Accreditation does not guarantee the quality of every course or program offered by a school. Accreditation grants reasonable assurance that the quality of educational opportunities is high. Nevertheless, there is no single agency that can guarantee the competence of individual graduates. The American Higher Education Commission accredits a wide range of higher education institutions.
Processes for obtaining accreditation
The process of obtaining accreditation from the Higher Education Commission consists of a series of steps. First, institutions apply for initial institutional accreditation. The letter of interest describes the scope of the requested accreditation and demonstrates that the institution has all the necessary state approvals. Moreover, the letter must show that the institution is not under federal or state action or under the jurisdiction of another nationally recognized accrediting agency. The next step is to complete a self-study and show that the institution can meet or exceed its goals. The self-study must document the student outcomes that are consistent with the institution’s purpose, mission, and objectives. Finally
The institution must have graduated at least one class
After completing the self-study, the college then prepares for the site visit. Accreditation enables the institution to establish credibility and legitimacy. The process is repeated every five to ten years. While some institutions may receive accreditation only once, others must undergo the process every five to 10 years. To remain accredited, a school must undergo similar processes every five to 10 years. The process can take months or years to complete.
Members of the American Higher Education Commission
The American Association of Colleges and Universities is a global membership organization that advances excellence in liberal education and promotes equity across institutions. As a member of the commission, you can expect updates on its programs and discounts at its events. To get involved, click on the link below to learn more. Become a member of the AACU today. It is free to join and you will receive periodic updates. As a member, you will have a voice in shaping the quality and effectiveness of College Board programs and services.
The commission released its final report in September 2006. This report addressed four primary issues facing higher education today.
These included accessibility
affordability, quality, accountability, and innovation. Although the commission’s recommendations were implemented by the U.S. Department of Education, they aren’t without controversy. Some of the members of the commission disagreed with the findings and recommendations. Some members even objected to the findings. Nonetheless, the commission remains committed to addressing these issues.
Impact of accreditation on post-secondary education in the United States
Since the 1960s, the accreditation process has been the gatekeeper of federal student aid, and since that time, the federal Department of Education has changed the requirements of accreditors. These interventions have changed the ways in which accreditors operate and interact with the federal government, but little research has been done on the impact on institutions. In response, ithaka S+R was founded with support from Arnold
Ventures
There are numerous implications of losing accreditation, including the risk of a school closing without warning. If you’re currently attending a school that is suddenly shutting down, the threat of abrupt closure can be devastating. Without accreditation, the federal government won’t provide any financial aid to a school, and since most unaccredited post-secondary institutions rely on these funds heavily, the loss of government money guarantees the school’s failure.