Taking a closer look – HLC Criterion 2 – Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
In this five-part series, we will focus on each of the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC’s) Criteria for Accreditation, which are the standards of quality by which the Commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation.
The goal of reaccreditation is to assure Illinois State students, as well as families and employers, that the University provides a quality educational experience. Illinois State participates in a ten-year cycle of accreditation, with 2024 being the end of the current cycle. You can learn more by visiting Accreditation | Illinois State.
How Illinois State institution acts with integrity, with a conduct that is ethical and responsible, is the focus of the Higher Learning Commission’s Criterion 2.
Core Components of Criterion 2 – Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
2.A. – The institution establishes and follows policies and processes to ensure fair and ethical behavior on the part of its governing board, administration, faculty, and staff.
2.B. – The institution presents itself clearly and completely to its students and to the public.
2.C. – The governing board of the institution is autonomous to make decisions in the best interest of the institution in compliance with board policies and to ensure the institution’s integrity.
2.D. – The institution is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression in the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning.
2.E. The institution’s policies and procedures call for responsible acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge by its faculty, staff, and students.
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Latest Media Relations
- Illinois State University launches new artificial intelligence lab for health research initiative with funding from National Institutes of HealthIllinois State University has launched an interdisciplinary PAIR project made possible through funding from the National Institutes of Health’s AIM-AHEAD PAIR seed program. The project is a collaboration between Illinois State’s School of Information Technology and Mennonite College of Nursing to use AI for early detection of Atrial Fibrillation.
- Historian and Author Doris Kearns Goodwin to speak at Stevenson Lecture Series, October 6Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin will speak at the Adlai E. Stevenson Memorial Lecture Series, co-hosted by Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University on Monday, October 6.
- Campus Safety Quick-Build Projects Are Now Live—Share Your Experience!Quick-build projects have launched across campus and Uptown Normal, testing the safety solutions the campus community suggested through a spring survey.
- Illinois State University continues strategic enrollment growthIllinois State University’s total enrollment for the fall 2025 semester is 21,994, an increase of 448 students (2.1%) over last year’s record enrollment. Official enrollment figures were finalized following the tenth day of classes held on Friday, August 29, 2025.
- President Tarhule: Get involved on campus and in the communityIt’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 2025-26 academic year at Illinois State!
- Remembering the Life of Trustee Emeritus William “Bill” SulaskiIllinois State University Trustee Emeritus Bill Sulaski, who also served as the first chair and inaugural member of the Board of Trustees, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. He was 85.
