Rend Lake College Final Report — Higher Learning Commission

Higher Learning Commission

Rend Lake College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the United States. Accreditation is vital to what we do. It serves as a measure of quality, allows us to access and distribute federal student aid, facilitates the transfer of classes between institutions and more. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. HLC determines an institution’s accreditation based on its five Criteria for Accreditation.

There are various methods, or Pathways, through which an institution may maintain accreditation. Rend Lake College is on HLC’s Open Pathway. This involves the preparation of an Assurance Argument to prove the manner in which the college meets the five criteria, as well as submission of a federal compliance filing. In addition, Open Pathway institutions such as RLC must select a Quality Initiative project (see below). A report on this must be compiled and submitted prior to the Assurance Argument submission. RLC's most recent reaffirmation of accreditation followed HLC's comprehensive evaluation in September 2018.

Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Phone: (800) 621-7440 / (312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462
www.hlcommission.org

Quality Initiative

In 2014, Rend Lake College piloted our First Year Experience program as its focus for the Quality Initiative. HLC accepted this report in 2017. Information and articles about our QI are below.

RLC Quality Initiative Proposal

RLC's Quality Initiative Report Accepted by HLC

New orientation project named HLC Quality Initiative Project

RLC staff shares details of the First Year Experience program at the HLC Annual Conference

FYE Orientation classes wrap up service projects

FYE Orientation classes deliver "Flat Stanley" to local grade schools

Overview

While it is a voluntary process, regional accreditation is crucial for colleges and universities. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accreditors officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Regional accreditors such as HLC evaluate the quality of academic institutions. Through accreditation, colleges and universities are able to offer federal financial aid in the form of grants and loans. More information about accreditation is available from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

In addition to regional accreditation, some Rend Lake College programs have specialized, or programmatic, accreditations as well. Other programs also are approved by other entities.

Program Accreditations

Automotive Technology – National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
EMT Paramedic – Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
Nursing - Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Radiologic Technology – Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

Approvals

Institutional Approval – Illinois Community College Board
Associate Degree Nursing – Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics and Nail Technology – Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Nurse Assistant – Illinois Department of Public Health
Nurse CE Sponsor - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor - Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Professional Counselor CE Sponsor - Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Online Programming - National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

FAQ & Links

What is the Higher Learning Commission?

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States (as stated on HLC's website).

Why is accreditation important?

The Higher Learning Commission is responsible for assuring that colleges and universities in its area meet set standards defined by the five Criteria for Accreditation. Accreditation is an assurance to the public that an institution is doing its job properly. Accreditation lends respect to Rend Lake College’s degrees and certificates, facilitates the transfer of credits to other institutions and affords the college’s access to financial aid and various funding opportunities.

How long has RLC been accredited by HLC?

Rend Lake College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1969.

Helpful Links

Higher Learning Commission
http://hlcommission.org

U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml

Council on Higher Education Accreditation
https://www.chea.org

The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
Phone: (800) 621-7440 / (312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462
www.hlcommission.org