10. Accreditation through Peer Review

Peer review is the defining characteristic of accreditation and essential for a judgment-based process in a highly complex field. But self-regulation can be met with public skepticism. Therefore, peer review for accreditation must:

  1. Be collegial, in the sense of absolute openness in the relationship between an institution and the peer reviewers assigned to it as well as between the institution and the Higher Learning Commission
  2. Be firm in maintaining high standards, not mistaking leniency for kindness or inclusiveness
  3. Be cognizant of the dual role of peer reviewers in both assuring and advancing institutional quality