Northwestern to undergo 10 year review for re accreditation in 2025

Northwestern University will undergo its 10-year review for reaffirmation of accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) this academic year. Northwestern has been accredited since 1913 by the HLC, one of six accrediting agencies in the U.S. that provide institutional accreditation.

"The re-accreditation process is a University-wide endeavor that provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the excellent work being done across the University and showcase Northwestern's commitment to world-class instruction, cutting-edge research, diversity and belonging, and the personal and intellectual growth of our students," said Northwestern University Provost Kathleen Hagerty. "I am looking forward to this collaborative process and to sharing Northwestern's unique story."

The review process will culminate in an on-site visit to the Evanston campus on April 28 and 29, 2025, by a team of peer reviewers from HLC-accredited institutions. As part of the process, Northwestern will develop and submit documentation to demonstrate how the University meets the HLC's five criteria for accreditation:

• Mission
• Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
• Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources and Support
• Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
• Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

Over the past several months, the Office of the Provost has conducted broad outreach to faculty and staff across all 12 schools and more than 45 units to gather materials and begin developing a report that describes how the University meets the criteria for accreditation. Northwestern will also demonstrate compliance with federal regulations through a federal compliance filing and distribute an HLC survey to all students. These materials will be shared with the peer review team before they visit Evanston.

During the site visit, the peer review team will observe the campus and speak with faculty, staff, students and University leaders to deepen and clarify their perspective on the University's case for re-accreditation. The schedule of opportunities to engage with the peer review team will become available nearer to the April 2025 site visit.

> Related: Six frequently asked questions about re-accreditation

Throughout the fall, the Office of the Provost will continue to review materials from schools and administrative units and compile drafts of the required reports, with assistance from the Assessment and Accreditation Council. The Council is comprised of faculty and staff from across all schools and many units, including representation from the Faculty Senate, and has convened monthly to advise on the development of materials for re-accreditation.

A detailed timeline on the Office of the Provost website includes anticipated steps and milestones in the re-accreditation process from now through April 2025.

Members of the Northwestern community are encouraged to direct any questions and comments to Roma Khanna, associate provost for strategy and policy; Mearah Quinn-Brauner, assistant provost for strategy and policy; or Andrianna Kurzenberger, senior program administrator.

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