Lake Erie College gets reaffirmation of accreditation

Lake Erie College has earned a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation.

The Higher Learning Commission recently voted to reaffirm the college’s institutional accreditation, according to a news release.

“I am incredibly proud of this achievement by the college,” said Lake Erie College President Brian Posler. “Accreditation shows expert, external confirmation that we continue to meet our mission for our students. Nationally, given how many colleges have struggled in recent years to meet these standards, this is a remarkable achievement.”

This decision, made at the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council meeting, follows a comprehensive reaffirmation review visit to campus last December.

The private liberal arts college in Painesville met the strict criteria for accreditation.

Those standards of quality that are set by the commission are:

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

• Integrity — Ethical and Responsible Conduct: The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

• Teaching and Learning — Quality, Resources, and Support: The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.

• Teaching and Learning — Evaluation and Improvement: The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.

•Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness: The institution’s resources, structures and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. The institution plans for the future.

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The independent corporation is responsible for accrediting degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions in 19 states.

Receiving HLC accreditation means an institution meets recognized standards of education regarding the institution’s mission, governance, financial stability, teaching and learning, and relations with its constituents, as well as its compliance with federal education requirements, the release also states

“Lake Erie College’s reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission is a tremendous accomplishment for the college,” said Bryan DePoy, vice president for academic affairs, chief academic officer and accreditation liaison officer. “Most importantly, it is a validation of our commitment to ensuring a quality student learning experience on the part of our faculty, staff, and our entire campus community.”

LEC’s next reaffirmation of accreditation will take place in 2027-28.