Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Activities

Sinclair is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (https://www.hlcommission.org/). The HLC is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Sinclair has been continuously accredited by the HLC since April 1970.

Sinclair is currently on the Open Pathway, one of three options for maintaining accreditation through the HLC. The HLC provides the following description of the Open Pathway:

“The Open Pathway is one of three options institutions have for maintaining their accreditation with HLC. It follows a 10-year cycle and, like all pathways, is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. The Open Pathway is unique in that its improvement component, the Quality Initiative, affords institutions the opportunity to pursue improvement projects that meet their current needs and aspirations” (see https://www.hlcommission.org/Accreditation/open-overview.html).

Prior to June 2018, Sinclair was on the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) pathway. Sinclair moved to the Open Pathway shortly after receiving notification of reaffirmation of accreditation in Spring of 2018.

Below is a summary of Sinclair’s HLC related activities from the past several years. Additional information regarding Sinclair’s accreditation status with the HLC can be found at https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Itemid=&Action=ShowBasic&instid=1597

Accreditation

• Reaffirmation of Accreditation:
• 2011
• 2018
• Accrediting Agencies

Assurance Argument

• Sinclair Assurance Arguments - 2022
• HLC Team Report
• HLC Letter - Confirmation of Completed Review

System Portfolio

• 2007 Systems Portfolio
• 2010 Check-up Visit
• 2011 Systems Portfolio
• 2015 Systems Portfolio
• 2017 Systems Portfolio

Completed AQIP Action Projects

• Academic Advising
• Assessment to the Next Level
• Building a Holistic Advising System
• Developing a Sustainable Structure to Support Cultural Diversity and Global Citizenship
• Employee Performance Evaluation System
• Enhancing Student Complaint Processes
• High School Linkages and Student Readiness
• Improving the First Year Student Experience
• Increasing Alignment of Updated Curriculum and Website Processes
• Institutional Policy Review
• Math Success
• Online Student Services
• Optimizing Course Scheduling for Student Success and Completion
• Streamlining Admissions and Enrollment
• Writing Success