Southwestern Illinois College is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission's (HLC) Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP). As an AQIP institution, continuing accreditation is contingent on an ongoing cycle of self-examination; identification of programmatic and institutional needs; and a program of positive action that leads to self-improvement. Extending an uninterrupted streak to 70 years, SWIC was re-accredited through 2016. This seven-year extension is the maximum allowed for colleges and universities selected to participate in the HLC's AQIP program.

AQIP is a self-assessment and self-improvement process that helps us achieve our mission and values and improve the quality of student learning.

The AQIP process focuses on continuous improvement and gives SWIC the opportunity to show that it meets the Higher Learning Commission's accreditation standards through the pursuit of well-focused quality improvement projects (Action Projects), through rigorous adherence to the commission's five criteria for accreditation.

Besides attesting to a commitment to self-improvement, accreditation means that SWIC course credits transfer more easily and that courses qualify for the federal financial aid that is so vital in this economy.

In its 2009 evaluation, the HLC commended SWIC for its integration of strategic planning with its quality improvement processes. Also, SWIC was cited for its efforts to evaluate the learning outcomes of its students; to plan for curricular and student needs through organizational restructuring and budgeting; and to develop a "culture of quality."

To learn more about our key processes and systems view our current 2009 Systems Portfolio and our 2009 Systems Appraisal Feedback Report. These and older versions can also be found on our archives page.

To learn more about AQIP, visit the Higher Learning Commission AQIP Web site .

AQIP Criteria and Principles 

Understanding Students' and Other Stakeholders' Needs		Valuing People Leading and Communicating Supporting Institutional Operations Planning Continuous Improvement Building Collaborative Relationships	Helping Students Learn Accomplishing Other Distinctive Objectives
Measuring Effectiveness