Accreditation is granted to a college or university by an accrediting agency and assures the public of that college’s quality. Additionally, accreditation ensures that an institution meets minimum expectations. Examples of minimum expectations include publishing information about programs of study, performing an audit from a CPA firm, outlining academic rules and regulations for students–these are just a few among hundreds of minimum expectations.
Accreditation assures the community, students, staff, and faculty that the institution is meeting standards of excellence.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the accrediting agency for Lake Land College. For more information, please visit hlcommission.org.
The College received full accreditation in 2015, and Lake Land College was assigned to the Standard Pathway. The College’s most recent accreditation visit by the HLC occurred in November 2018. The next accreditation visit will occur April 28-29, 2025.
Accreditation is granted based on the results of a review of the College’s Assurance Argument (a report on how the College meets the Criteria for Accreditation) and a site visit conducted by an HLC-assigned team.
1973: Lake Land College gained full Higher Learning Commission accreditation.1977: Lake Land College gained reaffirmation of accreditation.1987: Lake Land College gained reaffirmation of accreditation.1994: Lake Land College gained reaffirmation of accreditation.2004: Lake Land College gained reaffirmation of accreditation.2015: Lake Land College received full accreditation under the Standard Pathway.2019: Lake Land College gained reaffirmation of accreditation.
The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.
Core Components:
1.A. The institution’s mission is broadly understood within the institution and guides its operations.
1.B. The mission is articulated publicly.
1.C. The institution understands the relationship between its mission and the diversity of society.
1.D. The institution’s mission demonstrates commitment to the public good.
The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
2.A. The institution operates with integrity in its financial, academic, personnel, and auxiliary functions; it establishes and follows fair and ethical policies and processes for its governing board, administration, faculty, and staff.
2.B. The institution presents itself clearly and completely to its students and to the public with regard to its programs, requirements, faculty and staff, costs to students, control, and accreditation relationships.
2.C. The governing board of the institution is sufficiently autonomous to make decisions in the best interest of the institution and to assure its integrity.
2.D. The institution is committed to freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning.
2.E. The institution ensures that faculty, students, and staff acquire, discover, and apply knowledge responsibly.
The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.
3.A. The institution’s degree programs are appropriate to higher education.
3.B. The institution demonstrates that the exercise of intellectual inquiry and the acquisition, application, and integration of broad learning and skills are integral to its educational programs.
3.C. The institution has the faculty and staff needed for effective, high-quality programs and student services.
3.D. The institution provides support for student learning and effective teaching.
3.E. The institution provides to students guidance in the effective use of research and information resources.
The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.
4.A. The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs.
4.B. The institution demonstrates a commitment to educational achievement and improvement through ongoing assessment of student learning.
4.C. The institution demonstrates a commitment to educational improvement through ongoing attention to retention, persistence, and completion rates in its degree and certificate programs.
The institution’s resources, structures, and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. The institution plans for the future.
5.A. The institution’s resource base supports its current educational programs and its plans for maintaining and strengthening their quality in the future.
5.B. The institution’s governance and administrative structures promote effective leadership and support collaborative processes that enable the institution to fulfill its mission.
5.C. The institution engages in systematic and integrated planning.
5.D. The institution works systematically to improve its performance.
The task force will be created in Summer 2023.
These programs are approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; Phone: 404-975-5000, Fax: 404-975-5020.
Visit ACEN
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is the largest programmatic accreditor of the health sciences professions. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2100 individual education programs in 30 health science occupations. CAAHEP accredited programs are assessed on an ongoing basis to assure that they meet the Standards and Guidelines of each profession.
CAAHEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAAHEP is also member of the Association of Specialized & Professional Accreditors (ASPA).
This program is accredited by the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Education and Training Section (IDPH).
This program prepares students for Medical Assistant Certification (CCMA) by the National Healthcareer Association, which is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Sarah Hill, Faculty Accreditation Coordinator 217-234-5440 shill@lakelandcollege.edu
Ike Nwosu, Ombudsperson Phone: 217-234-5211 inwosu@lakelandcollege.edu