The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits degree-granting institutions of higher education. In Wisconsin, these include the 16 technical colleges, as well as public and private universities and colleges. The HLC evaluates student learning, governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with stakeholders.
HLC provides two programs for maintaining accredited status: The Program to Evaluate and Advance Quality (PEAQ) which follows the standard model that has been used in the past and the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) that provides an alternative evaluation process for organizations that are already accredited and in good standing. Acceptance of an organization into AQIP involves an extensive application and review process.
Blackhawk Technical College was accepted into the Academic Quality Improvement Program on December 15, 2005.
Launched in 1999 by the HLC with a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts, AQIP currently includes over 150 post-secondary institutions which meet the HLC's accreditation standards by participating in challenging activities to improve their key systems and overall performance.
Each AQIP organization shares its process improvements and performance results with the HLC as evidence to excel in the distinctive higher education mission each institution has identified.
