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Information for Central Administrators and Trustees

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) conducts comprehensive evaluations of member institutions in year ten of the Open Pathway accreditation process. For Miami University, this evaluation will take place on Sept. 8-9, 2025. 

Learn about Open Pathways

The purpose of this evaluation is to confirm that the institution meets the Criteria for Accreditation and other HLC requirements, is pursuing institutional improvement, and complies with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The evaluation is led by a review team appointed by the Higher Learning Commission (in consultation with the Miami University president) who will do the following:

  1. Review the Assurance Argument (which demonstrates compliance with the accreditation criteria), Multi-Campus Report (which explains differences between the Oxford and Regionals campuses), and a worksheet that explains how we comply with particular federal requirements.
  2. Conduct a two-day visit in which they will interview members of our community to verify the accuracy of the Assurance Argument and to fill in gaps.
  3. Write a report on their findings which will be followed by a response to the report created by Miami University.

How can you help?

This comprehensive evaluation will require engagement from the university community, including you, as well as students, faculty, and staff. 

To ensure that Miami's accreditation is reaffirmed, here are ways you can help:

  • Be available to participate in interview sessions during the site visit on Sept. 8-9, 2025. 
  • Be familiar with Miami’s mission and core values.
  • Understand our accreditation process, and review the Assurance Argument Executive Summary.

Can you participate in the interviews?

All administrators and trustees will be invited to participate in sessions with reviewers. During the interview session, reviewers will ask questions relating to Miami overall and the specific HLC accreditation criteria. Below are questions that might be asked relating to each of the four accreditation criteria:

Criterion 1, Mission:

The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.

  • How would you describe Miami’s mission? What do you see as Miami’s core values?
  • What are some of the strategic planning priorities of MiamiTHRIVE?
  • Are budget decisions made based on the strategic goals of the university?
  • What do you believe have been Miami’s major accomplishments over the last ten years?
  • How do Miami’s processes/activities reflect attention to global and civic engagement?
  • How does Miami support the public good or community at large?

Criterion 2, Integrity:

In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

  • How would you describe the climate at Miami? Is there a culture of trust?
  • How are trustees and administrators prepared or trained for their roles? How are they evaluated?
  • How do the board and administrators ensure that they embody and advance ethics and integrity?
  • How does Miami promote freedom of expression?
  • How does Miami advance research and creative activity among faculty and students?

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.

  • Are you familiar with the Miami Plan learning outcomes (pillars)?
  • How does the board or division evaluate their effectiveness? What changes have you made for improvement?
  • How do you ensure that Miami’s curriculum is of high quality? 
  • How do you ensure that students are supported?
  • What processes are used to ensure that faculty and staff are well qualified?
  • Are faculty and staff provided with professional development opportunities? 
  • Are students provided with adequate support services?
  • How would you characterize the relationship between faculty and the trustees and central administration?
  • Are facilities appropriately maintained?

Criterion 4, Sustainability:

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.

  • Describe the financial management of the university.
  • How does Miami ensure it is prepared for the future?
  • Are program review and assessment data used to make important budgetary decisions?
  • How does Miami enact shared governance? 
  • Were data used to inform the strategic plan and other important decisions?

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Visit

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