What HLC Reviewers Are Not Looking For

A white fire tower with the South Florida State College logo on the front and staircases on the right. HLC reviewers are not:

  • Evaluating individual job performance
  • Looking for scripted or “perfect” answers
  • Expecting anyone to know everything
  • Conducting surprise inspections
  • Issuing decisions or recommendations during meetings

They are focused on institutional systems and practices, not individuals.

A helpful rule of thumb: Answer honestly, based on your role and experience.

That’s exactly what reviewers are hoping to hear.

A Few Important Ground Rules

To protect the integrity of the accreditation process:

  • Meetings may not be recorded or transcribed
  • AI note-taking tools are not permitted
  • Chat functions in virtual meetings are disabled
  • Reviewers will not share recommendations or decisions during meetings

These expectations apply to everyone participating in the visit.