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Faculty and Staff HLC Visit Information

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 and the board of trustees. 

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

  • Be available to participate in open 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 faculty and staff are invited to participate in open sessions with reviewers. During the open 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. What are Miami’s greatest strengths? Greatest challenges?

  • What is it like to work at Miami?
  • What kind of changes are taking place at Miami?
  • How would you describe Miami’s mission? What are the core values? Do you support them?
  • How does Miami serve the public good?
  • How does it help students to prepare for a civic and global society?
  • Describe Miami’s strategic planning process.

Criterion 2, Integrity:

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

  • Do you feel that Miami markets itself accurately? Are descriptions of our programs current?
  • Do you know where to find information about policies?
  • What is the role of the board of trustees?
  • What happens when a student, faculty, or staff member doesn’t follow policies?
  • Do you think that Miami enables freedom of expression among its students and faculty?
  • How does Miami support research and creative activity?

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.

  • What characterizes a Miami education?
  • What is the process for making curriculum changes in your academic programs?
  • Are you familiar with the Miami Plan learning outcomes (pillars)? Do you support them?
  • Do you know your departmental program student learning outcomes?
  • How do you know that your students are attaining the program learning outcomes? Describe the assessment process used.
  • How is course and program quality and consistency ensured, particularly in multi-sectioned courses, online courses or programs?
  • Does the university provide support for teaching?
  • How does your department ensure that faculty and staff are well qualified? What support mechanisms are in place? Are they adequate?
  • How are faculty who are required to do research supported? 
  • What opportunities do students in your program have to gain experience with research? With community or civic engagement?
  • Are students provided with adequate academic and personal support services? With relevant co-curricular opportunities? 
  • Are facilities appropriately maintained?
  • How do you track your majors to determine how successful they are after they graduate?
  • What is the program review process (Department Planning Improvement) like at Miami?

 

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.

  • Do you feel like you understand the budget process?
  • What challenges do you believe Miami will need to deal with in the next 10 years?
  • Are capital improvements (facilities, technology, equipment) based on strategic needs of the institution?
  • How are faculty given the opportunity to provide input into important initiatives?
  • How are assessment results and program review findings taken into consideration during the budget decision making process?
  • Are strategic planning recommendations aligned with the budget?

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Visit

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