Every institution of higher learning in the United States undergoes periodic reviews to maintain accreditation and to ensure the quality of the institution. The accrediting body for Illinois Wesleyan University is the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA).
IWU was last reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in October 2012 using the Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ) process. As part of that review, IWU’s Self-Study Steering Committee prepared a report which addressed the five criteria for maintaining accreditation using data gathered from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees, as well as the community at large, followed by a campus visit by the review team. In January 2013, the Higher Learning Commission voted to continue IWU's accreditation with the next reaffirmation of accreditation to be set in 2022-2023.
In February 2012, the Higher Learning Commission adopted new Criteria for Accreditation which are effective for all institutions as of January 1, 2013. In September 2012, the HLC discontinued the PEAQ process. For our next reaccreditation cycle, Illinois Wesleyan will follow the processes outlined in the Standard Pathway model.
The primary difference between the PEAQ Program and the Standard Pathway is the manner in which data is collected and reported. Instead of a focused process at the end of a ten-year accreditation cycle, the Standard Pathway seeks to reduce the reporting burden on institutions by using existing information and data and collecting them in electronic form as they naturally occur. Additionally, the HLC conducts comprehensive evaluations twice in the ten-year cycle.*
To view a chart of IWU’s accreditation cycle, please click here. The Criteria for Accreditation, Assumed Practices and Guiding Values can be viewed at http://www.ncahlc.org/Criteria-Eligibility-and-Candidacy/criteria-and-core-components.html.
*This language is adapted from HLC Pathways for Reaffirmation of Accreditation: The Standard Pathway, Version 2.1, 2013 Edition