Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission

Richland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, often referred to as the HLC, and is recognized by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

In general, the HLC and other accrediting bodies focus on the following functions:

• Assessing the quality of academic programs
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement of academic quality
• Involving faculty and staff comprehensively in institutional evaluation and planning
• Establishing criteria for professional certification and licensure

The HLC has established several pathways of accreditation from which an institution can choose to match that institution’s culture and to focus on evidence-based decision-making.

Richland transitioned from the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) to the Standard Pathway in 2017, completing some final requirements under AQIP and moving to the timeline of the Standard Pathway.

Affirmation of accreditation includes a number of initiatives, also outlined on the Institutional Effectiveness page of the Richland website.

Responding to a series of questions, an institution uses the Assurance Argument to describe systems and processes and the results, following the Department of Education’s Criteria for Accreditation. This Assurance Argument is the compilation of the answers to the question “How do you know that your processes are efficient, effective, and important?”  Two Assurance Arguments are completed in the 10-year accreditation cycle. Because Richland was completing the transition to the Standard Pathway, the 2017 Systems Portfolio was a hybrid approach to answering the questions of the Assurance Argument.

In 2023 preparation began on two key components of reaffirmation, the Assurance Argument and the Federal Compliance requirement. The Criterion Leaders Group is directing the development of responses to each Core Component within the five Criteria for Accreditation, and a cross-section of employees assumed responsibility for the Assurance Argument based on their areas of expertise and knowledge of procedures and policies.

Criterion 1 Mission — John Oliver

Criterion 2 Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct — Madonna Brown, Joe Feinstein, Jody Burtnett

Criterion 3 Teaching and Learning: Quality Resources, and Support — Meredith Johnson-Palmer, Dr. Kona Jones

Criterion 4 Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement — Katie Raisner, Andy Hynds, Dr. Matthew Wiediger

Criterion 5 Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning — Erin Spanberger, Teena Zindel-McWilliams

The Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report were submitted on January 15.

Another component of the Comprehensive Evaluation is the visit by a Peer Review Team for a first-hand view of the workings of an institution and to see in “real time” a verification of what was written in the Assurance Argument. Richland’s Comprehensive Visit occurred in February 2024.

Richland received notification that the Higher Learning Commission has awarded its reaffirmation of accreditation until 2033-2034.

NC-Sara Approved Institution

Richland Community College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. For more information you may visit www.nc-sara.org.

Specialized Accreditation and Professional Licensure

Specialized Accreditation – June 2024

Before enrolling in a program intended to satisfy a particular state’s educational requirements for the practice of a particular occupation requiring licensure, students are strongly encouraged to review the information under the respective program in the current Richland Catalog. Students are also encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing agency to seek information and additional guidance before beginning a program outside of their home state. Institutions participating in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) are required to provide related disclosures; institutions that participate in federal student financial aid programs must meet similar federal requirements.

If Richland Community College has not determined whether a program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification outside the state of Illinois, the student should contact the licensing entity to determine whether the Richland program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state of residence or employment.