HLC Reaccreditation

Telling the Butler Story

Join us as we showcase our high-quality education and our efforts to seek continual improvements.

Jordan Hall

What is HLC and how can you participate?

On February 27–28, 2023, Butler University will host a Higher Learning Commission team on our campus. Preparation for this comprehensive evaluation involves the completion of Butler’s Assurance Argument (or self-study), addressing HLC’s requirements and five criteria for accreditation.

The self-study process is a transparent, public, and inclusive opportunity for the university to take stock in itself—celebrating its strengths and discovering areas of continued improvement.

The entire Butler community is invited to offer feedback through engagement events scheduled this spring semester and again in the fall. Don’t miss your chance for your voice to be heard.

Public Review Period—Read the Self-Study Draft

Thank you for reading our Assurance Argument, a nearly final draft. We are a little over the word limit, mostly because we have included all the HLC statements verbatim so you will understand what is required for the narrative. It will be close once that content is removed. Whenever you see an underlined area in the text, that means there is a corresponding evidence file, such as a report, table, policy, data point, example, minutes, website screenshot, agendas, etc., to support the statement or claim. If you would like to see any evidence files, please use the email address at the end of the report and specify which ones and the page numbers. (We are only allowed six live URLs in the document; the rest of them must be PDF files in the HLC assurance portal.) At the end of the report, there are links to an anonymous survey and an email address where we invite you to provide feedback.

Read the self-study draft
blue icon of a magnifying glass with a pawprint in the viewer

“Mission Possible” is no covert operation! Everyone’s participation and input is valued and needed. Learn how you can be an asset by participating in a HLC engagement event.

See Events and Grand Prize Information

Criteria for Accreditation

The Criteria for Accreditation are the standards of quality by which the Commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation. To maintain accreditation, Butler University must demonstrate it is meeting all five criteria.

Jordan hall in early spring

Criterion One—Mission

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

See Work Group Members
BU sign

Criterion Two—Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

See Work Group Members
a class being taught

Criterion Three—Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support

The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.

See Work Group Members
Butler University, faculty development meeting

Criterion Four—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.

See Work Group Members
Stone bulldog on butler campus

Criterion Five—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.

See Work Group Members