Yavapai College (YC) has received notice of its decennial reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) Institutional Actions Council.
The reaccreditation shows that Yavapai College complies with HLC's Criteria for Accreditation and other HLC requirements necessary for its operation and delivery of educational programs.
Regional Accreditation is how higher education recognizes that the classes and services delivered to students are high quality. It is important for several reasons. It allows students to apply for federal grants and financial aid, helps certify that YC meets academic quality standards, and ensures that we have qualified and credentialed faculty at all teaching levels.
Yavapai College’s reaccreditation encompasses all six College locations, including Prescott and Verde Valley Campuses, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, Sedona, and the YC Career and Technical Education Center. It also includes all delivery methods, including in-person, online, hybrid, and any other distance learning, as well as early college programs in Yavapai County high schools.
While a vast majority of colleges and universities have at least one finding or area of concern, Yavapai College did not have any during the accreditation process.
“This is a proud moment for Yavapai College, and it is a big deal for our students and our communities,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College. “With no findings in our reaccreditation process, it’s evidence that YC has the necessary, quality framework in place and that our faculty and staff’s hard work and focus on excellence meets or exceeds accreditation standards. Our faculty and staff are doing an exceptional job delivering courses, programs and services to our students and Yavapai County residents can be proud and excited knowing they can receive this quality of education locally.”
The process to earn reaccreditation is lengthy and involves many college employees’ participation. YC had to provide a 100+ page reaccreditation application proving that it met the criteria required by HLC.
After the report is submitted, HLC begins its review process, which is highlighted by a peer review team visiting the College. The peer review team is a cadre of carefully selected and trained professionals who serve HLC in its accreditation processes. This group of more than a thousand individuals is called the Peer Corps. These volunteers share their knowledge of and direct experience with higher education, their dedication to educational excellence, and their commitment to the principles underlying voluntary accreditation.
YC’s peer review visit was in September, where the HLC Peer Corps members met with hundreds of faculty and staff to determine if YC was meeting the HLC Criteria:
With no findings in these criteria, Yavapai College’s accreditation is continued for ten years (2032-33).
The Higher Learning Commission is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. HLC is as an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
