Oakton College has successfully maintained continuous regional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission since 1972, most recently earning reaccreditation in 2017 for a period of 10 years. Every 10 years, Oakton engages in a thorough self-study and prepares an assurance argument as evidence in support of continuing HLC accreditation.
Accreditation by the HLC is one way the college publicly demonstrates its commitment to quality and willingness to be held externally accountable to those the college serves. The standards of quality by which the commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation consists of the following:
The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.
Ethical and Responsible Conduct In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors.
The institution’s resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning enable it to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational programs, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.