Guiding Values

The Higher Learning Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation reflect a set of guiding values. The commission articulates these guiding values so as to offer a better understanding of the criteria and the intentions that underlie them.

1. Focus on student learning
2. Education as a public purpose 
3. Education for a diverse, technological, globally connected world 
4. A culture of continuous improvement 
5. Evidence-based institutional learning and self-presentation 
6. Integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior or practice 
7. Governance for the well-being of the institution
8. Planning and management of resources to ensure institutional sustainability
9. Mission-centered evaluation 
10. Accreditation through peer review