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
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