SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE EARNS 10 YEAR ACCREDITATION FROM HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

South Suburban College in South Holland recently announced that it has once again received a 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Photo Credit: Provided by South Suburban College
South Suburban College in South Holland recently announced that it has once again received a 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Photo Credit: Provided by South Suburban College

South Suburban College Earns 10 Year Accreditation from Higher Learning Commission

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

During a recent South Suburban College Board Meeting, Dr. Ron Kawanna, associate vice president of accreditation and institutional effectiveness at South Suburban College, announced to the Board of Trustees that the college has once again received a 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The Higher Learning Commission was founded in 1895 as one of six regional accreditors in the United States. The organization accredits post-secondary education institutions in the north-central region of the country, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and several other surrounding states. The goal of doing this work is to help assure the quality of higher learning in the region and across the country.

South Suburban College recently received 10-year accreditation which is the top accreditation that the Higher Learning Commission gives and will last for 10 years before South Suburban College is reviewed again for accreditation.

“The 10-year reaccreditation is a testament to the high level of professionalism of everyone at the college,” said Chairman Frank M. Zuccarelli. “Everyone came together and worked hard during the self-study process, and I congratulate you.”

In order to receive accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an institution must have a clear and public mission that guides operations. The institution must act with integrity and conduct itself in an ethical and responsible way. The institution should also provide high-quality education and take responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services. The institution must have resources, structures, and processes in place to ensure its mission is fulfilled and that the quality of its educational offerings are constantly improving. Lastly, the institution must have plans for the future, according to information provided by the Higher Learning Commission.

“It is with much enthusiasm that we announce our reaccreditation success,” said Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, president of South Suburban College. “A big thank you to faculty, staff and administrators who worked tirelessly to write the Higher Learning Commission report and provide evidence of compliance, and special thank you to our students for participating in the open forum and focus group session. We appreciate their candid conversations and recommendations of how to move South Suburban College closer to becoming the premier institution of higher learning in the Southland community.”

South Suburban College will remain accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through 2028 and at that time they will be asked to submit another report to the Higher Learning Commission to maintain accreditation.

To learn more about South Suburban College visit www.ssc.edu.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

A.L. Smith - Harold Washington Legacy Committee