Higher Learning Commission Re-Accreditation

Kalamazoo Valley is on the Open Pathway, which includes a 10-year accreditation cycle. Every 10 years the college undergoes a Comprehensive Evaluation which reaffirms the college’s accreditation status. Within the 10-year cycle there is an Assurance Review (year four) and a Quality Initiative Project (Years 7-9). In Winter 2020 Kalamazoo Valley successfully completed its year four Assurance Review. The Comprehensive Evaluation will take place in academic year 2025-2026, which involves:

• A written Assurance Argument addressing the Criteria for Accreditation
• Federal Compliance Review
• On-Site Peer Review Visit

Kalamazoo Valley began the process to compile the Assurance Argument in Winter 2022. This process of self-evaluation contributes to continual improvement, aligning the college with its mission, reviewing the college's commitment to ethical practices, assessing and improving the high quality of educational offerings and analyzing the strategic use of resources. This work takes place through HLC Criterion Teams made up of faculty, staff and administrators. As of September 2025, the HLC's revised Criterion takes effect, Kalamazoo Valley has made the appropriate updates to align our Assurance Argument with the respective changes:

• 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.

Please review HLC's revised criteria crosswalk for additional details.

Re-Accreditation Preparation
2021-2022	Invite Criterion Teams and Train Teams Identify Areas For Improvement
2022-2023	Criterion Teams Brainstorm Evidence Address Areas of Improvement
2023-2024	Compile Evidence, Complete Outline & Begin Writing Argument Launch College-Wide Communication in March
2024-2025	Write Assurance Argument Editorial Reviews
2025-2026	Review by Various Groups Assurance Argument Lock Date: February 15 Site Visit: March 16-17