Taking a closer look – HLC Criterion 4 – Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
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 demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its education programs, learning environments, and support services, and how it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement, are the foci of the Higher Learning Commission’s Criterion 4.
Core Components of Criterion 4 – Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement
4.A. – The institution ensures the quality of its educational offerings.
4.B. – The institution engages in ongoing assessment of student learning as part of its commitment to the educational outcomes of its students.
4.C. – The institution pursues educational improvement through goals and strategies that improve retention, persistence, and completion rates in its degree and certificate programs.
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Latest Media Relations
- Illinois State University announces ratification of first UFISU contractIllinois State is pleased to confirm that, on Monday, April 14, 2025, UFISU notified the University that its members have ratified the tentative agreement reached on Friday, April 4.
- Illinois State and Town of Normal Launch Pedestrian & Roadway Campus Safety Initiative, Ask for FeedbackIllinois State University and the Town of Normal partnered to launch the Pedestrian & Roadway Campus Safety Initiative, a comprehensive effort to enhance transportation safety. Students and campus and community members are asked to share feedback.
- Illinois State, UFISU Tenure-Track Faculty Union Reach Tentative AgreementIllinois State University and United Faculty of ISU (UFISU), the Union that represents non-administrative tenured and tenure-track Illinois State faculty, are pleased to announce that the parties have reached a tentative contract agreement.
- A message to the campus community on faculty negotiations, March 31, 2025As negotiations continue this week, Illinois State remains confident that further progress can be made through continued dialogue to reach a contract agreement that is fair, fiscally responsible, and sustainable in the long term.
- Vice President for Finance and Planning Glen Nelson offers FY26 budget updateIllinois State University Vice President for Financial Planning, Dr. Glen Nelson, delivers an FY25 budget update, in addition to important guidance for the FY26 budget process and general approach to FY27 revenue allocations.
- A message to the campus community on faculty negotiations, March 26, 2025This communication is an update on important developments in contract negotiations with University Professionals of Illinois, United Faculty of ISU (UFISU), the Union representing Illinois State University’s approximately 650 non-administrative tenured and tenure-track faculty.
