Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Upcoming Visit, Reports, & Resources

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is preparing for its Comprehensive Evaluation visit from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an evaluation that occurs every 10 years. In 2017, we had a successful interim visit where the HLC reviewers gave us positive ratings in all the assessment areas. This webpage is intended to keep the campus community updated and informed about the HLC visit. 

On November 13 and 14, 2023, a HLC peer review team will visit our campus to determine whether the University of Michigan-Dearborn meets the criteria for accreditation, is pursuing institutional improvement, and complies with various requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information on how higher learning institutions are accredited please visit here. 

We are asking for the campus community to review the draft report and provide feedback (i.e., suggested items to include, corrections, or recommended changes while noting the specific criterion report along with page number, when possible) by January 31, 2023. Please provide feedback by sending an email to UMDHLC2023@umich.edu.   

• Obligations of Membership
• Assumed Practices
• Criteria for Accreditation
• Federal Compliance Program

• Fall 2020 – HLC Coordinating group meet and began planning for 2023 HLC visit
• May 3, 2021 — Identified HLC Criterion Leads
• July 12, 2021 — Criterion Leads submit to HLC Coordinator draft 1 outlines of proposed evidence plan showing the incorporation of data-driven/data-informed systemic and systematic continuous improvement planning
• September 6, 2021 — Criterion Leads submit to HLC Coordinating Group revised outline of proposed evidence plan for review and discussion
• March 1, 2022 — Criterion Leads submit the first draft of criterion reports for review and discussion 
• June 6, 2022 — Criterion Leads submit to HLC Coordinating Group their updated draft criterion reports for review and discussion
• October 14, 2022 – Criterion Leads, if needed, submitted updated draft criterion reports 
• November 2022 -- Share draft HLC Report with campus for review and feedback
• April 2023 — Criterion Leads provide to HLC Coordinating Group a status update for their draft criterion reports
• June-July 2023 — HLC Coordinating Group reviews and updates the final HLC report, as needed
• August 2023 — Final report submission to HLC
• Fall 2023 — Campus HLC forum

HLC affords faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders the opportunity to submit comments regarding institutions that are undergoing a comprehensive evaluation for Candidacy, Initial Accreditation or Reaffirmation of Accreditation. Please submit comments using this online form HLC provides or mail: 

Third-Party Comment on the University of Michigan-Dearborn 

Higher Learning Commission

230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500

Chicago, IL 60604-1411

• Why do we need to be accredited?
  • The importance of accreditation is that it sets higher standards for higher education institutions along with ensuring continuous quality improvement and ensuring students have access to federal funding. 
• What do I need to know about the upcoming visit?
  • Please familiarize yourself with the HLC policies and practices for accreditation along with our institution’s draft narrative reports (when they are posted for review in October 2022). For faculty, please take time to familiarize yourself with your program’s learning objectives and assessment activities. Everyone (faculty and staff) should be familiar with our campus’s strategic plan and mission statement. 
• Is there anything you need from me to help prepare for the visit?
  • All campus stakeholders serve a critical role in maintaining a highly functioning university. The Coordinating Group and criterion leads have already been in contact with various campus stakeholders. More information will be provided as we get closer to the HLC visit, including a campus-wide forum. 

• Mitch Sollenberger, Associate Provost
• Pam Pennock, Faculty 
• Jess LaGrange, Director of Office of Academic Success
• Noel Hornbacker, Director of Financial Services
• Rick Michalski, Director of the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
• Susan Everett, Provost Faculty Fellow

If you have any questions about the Higher Learning Commission or the upcoming visit, please contact Associate Provost Mitch Sollenberger at msollenb@umich.edu.