Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is the primary external means of ensuring quality of higher education. Accreditation is voluntary, peer-based, and focused on quality assurance and continuous improvement. Accreditation by a recognized agency is also necessary for institutions to participate in federal student aid programs and is required for regular membership in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
KBOCC has been accredited by HLC since 2013 and follows HLC’s Standard Pathway for reaffirmation of accreditation. This pathway generally follows a ten-year cycle and includes ongoing institutional monitoring, evidence of continuous improvement, and periodic comprehensive evaluations.
To reaffirm its accreditation, KBOCC must demonstrate that it meets HLC’s four Criteria for Accreditation and applicable federal requirements.
The following documents provides an overview of the upcoming HLC site visit and the KBOCC affirmation process.
The HLC site visit is scheduled for Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20. All students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and members of the community are welcome to attend all open forums.
The Assurance Argument Executive Summary provides an overview of the institution’s assurance argument, presenting the central claims about institutional effectiveness and the evidence supporting those claims..
The Assurance Argument Snapshot summarizes how KBOCC meets HLC’s four criteria for accreditation.
The KBOCC Assurance Argument describes how the institution demonstrates its effectiveness in fulfilling its mission through evidence-based evaluation, assessment of outcomes, and continuous improvement.
Our Mission
As a tribal land grant institution, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College supports and uplifts all learners to achieve their goals through holistic education, while promoting Anishinaabe culture, language, and lifeways.
Our Vision
KBOCC aspires to be an intergenerational center of educational excellence and innovation grounded in Anishinaabe values for community advancement and well-being.
Our Values
We hold steadfast to the guiding values of our ancestors, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, to help us with the concerns of today as we look forward to preparing the following seven generations:
- Dabasendizowin – We embrace humility, fostering a culture of continuous learning and openness to new perspectives.
- Debwewin -We prioritize truth in our academic integrity and pursuit of knowledge, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
- Zoongide’iwin – With courage, we support bold innovation, critical thinking, and advocacy for social justice.
- Gwayakwaadiziwin – We uphold honesty, promoting integrity and trust in all interactions and scholarship.
- Manaaji’idiwin – We honor respect, valuing diverse cultures, perspectives, and fostering inclusive dialogue and collaboration.
- Zaagi’idiwin – We practice love, creating a compassionate and supportive community where everyone feels valued.
- Nibwaakaawin – We cultivate wisdom, integrating knowledge and experience for thoughtful and ethical decision-making.
Through these values, KBOCC prepares students to be thoughtful, compassionate, responsible leaders and achieve Mino-Bimaadiziwin.
