What is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)? There are six regional accrediting bodies across the United States, which are responsible for accreditation of college and universities. Diné College is accredited under the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and School.
What criteria are used to “accredit” Colleges? Accreditation is basically used to determine if the education provided by the College meets acceptable levels of quality. There are five criteria used to determine accreditation: (1) Mission; (2) Integrity – ethical & responsible conduct; (3) Teaching & Learning: quality, resources, & support; (4) Teaching & Learning: evaluation & improvement; and, (5) Resources, planning & institutional effectiveness.
How long has Diné College been accredited? Diné College was first accredited on July 21, 1976, and has been continuously accredited. The next comprehensive visit is 03/23-24/2014. The purpose of the visit is the “reaffirmation of accreditation,” that is, to determine if Diné College continues to meet the standards set by the HLC. The next reaffirmation of accreditation for Diné College is 2018-2019.
What is Diné College doing to prepare for the 2015 Comprehensive Visit? The College created a Steering Committee to prepare for the visit. The Committee members as well as others within the College are gathering evidence to demonstrate that we meet the HLC’s criteria and standards. Additionally, there are sub-groups working in Communication (getting the word out); Historical (reviewing the reports from past visits); Budget (allocating funding for this process); and, Core Writing Team (writing up the report). A timeline has been created up to the date of the visit.
Why should I be interested in the outcome of this visit? This visit will indicate how the College is doing in fulfilling its Mission and meeting the standards set by the HLC. An accredited College (1)is able to offer its students PELL grants and other federal financial aid ; (2) is eligible to apply for federal grants; (3) grants degrees that are important to four-year and graduate programs as well as employers; (4) can transfer credits to other college; and, (5) is more likely to qualify for tuition assistance from employers.
How can I get involved in Diné College’s preparation for the Comprehensive visit?Read the draft report and submit questions or comments; attend listening sessions; ask questions at the HLC booths during student activities; become familiar with the College’s mission, vision, principles, and values (see current catalog); if given the opportunity, talk to the Visiting Team in March 2015 about your perceptions and your experience at Diné College.
Can Diné College be denied re-affirmation of accreditation? Yes, if the College does not meet one or more of the criteria for accreditation. The most serious outcome could be that the College would be "Placed on Notice" which means the College then submits a written report on corrective measures that is used to determine removing the College from notice or moving it to probation for up to two years.
What happens if a college is placed on probation? The College has one year, but no more than two years, to correct the areas of concern.
When I transfer, how can I find out if that college is accredited? Log onto this website:
www.hlcommission.org and click on tab “HLC Institutions” then type the name of College.
If I want more information about Diné College accreditation process, where can I go? Go to the College’s Warrior Web then click on this icon.