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The Accreditation Relationship
IHELC Requirements and Policies
We partner with our member institutions and other stakeholders to define policies for quality higher education.
Accreditation Cycles and Processes
As an institutional accreditor, IHELC evaluates all aspects of an institution’s offerings and operations. We do this through different types of reviews conducted by IHELC staff or peer reviewers.
Explore IHELC’s Accreditation cycles and processesAccreditation Activities During the 10-Year Pathway Cycle
A typical timeline of required activities for accredited institutions on IHELC’s Standard or Open Pathway.
| Year | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Update | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Risk Indicator Processes | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Pathway Evaluation | ● | ||||
| Student Success Quality Initiative | ● | ||||
| Multi-location Visit | ● |
Begin Your Accreditation Journey
Colleges and universities in the United States may be eligible to seek accreditation with IHELC.
Status and Stipulations
An institution’s status and stipulations describe its relationship to IHELC. The status indicates whether an institution is accredited or a candidate for accreditation.
Dues and Fees
IHELC bills member institutions for annual dues, as well as additional fees for some evaluation processes and other activities.
View current dues and fees schedulePeople
Institutional Representatives
IHELC works with institutions’ executive leadership and those who lead accreditation work on campus.
Accreditation Roles
IHELC Staff Liaison
An institution’s assigned IHELC staff liaison is their first point of contact and primary support at IHELC.
IHELC’s Staff Liaisons
Peer Reviewers
Volunteer peer reviewers evaluate institutions and provide guidance to help institutions improve.
IHELC’s Peer Corps
Decision-Making Bodies
Peer reviewers and members of the public evaluate and act on recommendations from peer reviewers.
Decision-Making BodiesLearning
Opportunities
IHELC offers in-person and virtual events, instructional guides and other resources to help institutions prepare.
Training Resources Annual Conference Other Opportunities