Accreditation provides objective, public certification of acceptable institutional quality and defines opportunities and incentives for self-improvement. Accreditation is voluntarily sought by institutions and is conferred by non-governmental agencies and is needed to ensure students are eligible to apply for financial aid and that the institution is eligible to apply for certain grants. Here you will find a view of our journey in the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) process with The Higher Learning Commission.

 

Lake Erie College was authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents in 1856. In 1913, the college received accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Since its beginning as a women's college and "little sister" of Mount Holyoke, Lake Erie College has grown into a co-educational college that offers a range of baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

 

We are currently accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Our Statement of Affiliation Status identifies us as an institution that meets the Commission's Criteria for Accreditation as evaluated through a peer review process called AQIP. Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) is one of the options for accreditation through the HLC of NCA that is structured around quality improvement principles and processes. Participating in AQIP involves structured goal setting, networking, and accountability activities.

 

AQIP has identified nine categories for institutions to show evidence of continuing to meet the HLC's Criteria for Accreditation. The Systems Portfolio is designed to presents an overview of our institution that explains the major processes, programs and services we use to accomplish our mission. We assemble a Systems Portfolio every four years and AQIP expects each institution to use the nine categories to structure its System Portfolio while providing evidence in each to show you are also meeting the Criteria for Accreditation.

The following presentation contains information introducing you to the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) at Lake Erie College. It includes an overview of the AQIP reaccreditation process, as well as defines our involvement, plan, and accountability activities.

For more information about our key processes, and goals, check out the rest of Institutional Research and Planning web pages.

 

Contact information regarding the HLC is as follows:
The Higher Learning Commission
30 South LaSalle Street
Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 800-621-7440