Accreditation is a process by which an institution publicly affirms and continuously improves educational quality and effectiveness. To become and remain accredited, an institution must undergo regular comprehensive evaluation, using a combination of evidence-based reporting and external peer review by other higher education professionals.
Institutional Accreditation Schedule
KBOCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and which accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities, including more than 75% of the 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The purpose of accreditation is to ensure that the education provided by KBOCC meets acceptable levels of quality.
KBOCC is on the Standard Pathway to accreditation with HLC, an established ten-year cycle for the various components of the accreditation process. The cycle begins in the year immediately following an institution’s reaffirmation of accreditation. KBOCC’s most recent reaffirmation occurred in 2016–17, culminating in HLC’s action to continue the college’s accreditation effective July 1, 2017, and the most recent comprehensive evaluation (Year Four) occurred in 2020–21. The next comprehensive evaluation (Year Ten) will occur during the 2026–27 academic year.
To maintain accreditation, there is substantial communication between an institution and HLC in between comprehensive evaluations, including notification and approvals of substantive changes, annual submission of the Institutional Update survey on organizational health, and possible additional monitoring.
Criteria
HLC’s accreditation process requires an institution to provide evidence at regular intervals (Years Four and Ten of the Standard Pathway) demonstrating that it meets the following specific criteria for academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and fiscal stability. That evidence is reviewed by an external peer review team of higher education professionals, whose findings are provided both to the accrediting agency and to the institution.
HLC Criteria for Accreditation (effective September 2025):
Criterion 1. Mission: The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.
Criterion 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct. In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
Criterion 3. Teaching and Learning for Student Success: 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.
Criterion 4. Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning: 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.
Accreditation Review
As part of its ongoing accreditation relationship with HLC, KBOCC participates in a continuous cycle of reporting, quality assurance, peer review, and institutional improvement. These reviews include comprehensive evaluations, focused reviews, interim monitoring activities, and other reporting requirements as determined by HLC.
Current Institutional Status Report (ISR)
Recent Accreditation Activities:
2026–27 Comprehensive Evaluation: Reaffirm 2026
KBOCC is currently preparing for its Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation of Accreditation during the 2026–27 academic year. The Comprehensive Evaluation is HLC’s most extensive review process and includes a review of the College’s Assurance Argument, supporting evidence, Federal Compliance Filing, and an on-site peer review visit. Additional information and evaluation materials will be posted below as they become available.
Comprehensive Evaluation Preparation Plan – “Reaffirm 2026”
Accreditation Brief – September 2026
2023 Interim Monitoring Report on Program Review
In response to recommendations arising from the College’s 2020–21 Assurance Review, KBOCC submitted an Interim Monitoring Report on Program Review to HLC on January 30, 2023. HLC accepted the report and required no additional monitoring, sanctions, or corrective actions before the College’s next comprehensive evaluation.
Interim Monitoring Report on Program Review – January 2023
2020–21 Assurance Mid-cycle Review
During the 2020–21 academic year, KBOCC completed its Year Four Assurance Review. The College submitted an Assurance Argument and supporting evidence demonstrating continued compliance with HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Following peer review, HLC determined that KBOCC continued to satisfy accreditation requirements and remain in good standing. HLC subsequently requested the 2023 Interim Monitoring Report focused on institutional program review processes.
KBOCC Assurance Argument – July 2020
Specialized/Programmatic Accreditation
In addition to institutional accreditation, certain academic programs may undergo evaluation by specialized or professional accrediting organizations.
Nursing Program (Associate of Science in Nursing)
The Associate of Science in Nursing program at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College at the Wabanung Campus in L’Anse is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000
Website: www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science in Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
The effective date of initial accreditation is December 11, 2024. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for Spring 2031.
View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
