HLC Evidence of Accreditation

Evidence Collection 

Providing evidence to support how Kent State meets the Higher Learning Commission's (HLC) Criteria for Accreditation is essential. This evidence supports the narrative called the Assurance Argument which documents that these expectations are met. We are asking all divisions and units to provide evidence from their areas to support this argument. The evidence should be focused at the university level, therefore, it is important to demonstrate whenever possible how processes align with the overall university strategy, values and mission. It is also important to include all campuses and locations that are relevant since equivalence in quality wherever and however services and instruction are provided is expected.  Direct evidence of the effectiveness of initiatives, activities, programming, policies and processes is preferred when possible documented in:

• Annual reports
• Longitudinal data and analysis
• Meeting minutes

Types of Evidence

HLC accepts three types of evidence: Clear, Corroborating and Circumstancial. Examples of quality evidence and evidence definitions can be viewed in the article "Providing Evidence for the Criteria for Accreditation". 

• Clear evidence is precise, explicit and tends to directly establish the point it is presented to support. Institutions should provide clear evidence of their compliance with each Core Component.
• Corroborating evidence is already given and tends to strengthen or confirm it. This type of evidence can be useful in illustrating points made in the institution’s narrative, but it may not be persuasive to peer reviewers on its own. 
• Circumstantial evidence establishes a condition of surrounding circumstances, from which the principal fact may be inferred. This type of evidence is never sufficient on its own.

Evidence Form

Please use the Evidence Collection form to submit evidence. Submission of evidence ensures we capture all exemplary processes and stories occurring within the university.