Accreditation Process Timeline

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process that evaluates the quality of an institution’s academic programs, operations, and support services and provides a road map for continuous improvement. At DACC many programs are accredited by specialized accreditation agencies. DACC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). More information about the HLC is available at https://www.hlcommission.org or 800.621.7440.

HLC Accreditation - The Standard Pathway

DACC has been independently accredited by HLC since 2008. Prior to 2008, DACC was accredited as a branch campus of NMSU. DACC in on the Standard Pathway, a 10-year cycle that includes periodic reviews to ensure that we meet the Criteria for Accreditation and are pursuing institutional improvements.

Criteria for Accreditation

Criterion 1. Mission

Criterion 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

Criterion 3. Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support

Criterion 4. Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement

Criterion 5. Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness

Standard Pathway 10-year Cycle

DACC’s current 10-year cycle began in 2014 and will culminate with a Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation site visit on March 25 & 26, 2024.

Accreditation Steering Committee

The Accreditation Steering Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, and students. The committee is currently writing the Assurance Argument and assembling the Evidence File for the 2024 Comprehensive Evaluation. Full details about the 2024 HLC Accreditation site visit will be posted here in early 2024.

If you are interested in being a part of a Criterion Writing Team or would like to learn more about the accreditation process, please contact Dr. Jennifer Hodges, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Accreditation, and Assessment, at jhodges@dacc.nmsu.edu or 575-527-7711.