Accreditation
Accreditation at Yavapai College
Accreditation confirms that Yavapai College meets established standards for educational quality, institutional integrity, student support, and continuous improvement.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Yavapai College has maintained institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission since 1975. This accreditation recognizes the College as qualified to award college certificates and degrees.
A continuing commitment to educational quality
Institutional accreditation is an external review process that evaluates the College as a whole. It examines academic programs, governance, financial stability, student services, institutional integrity, and the College's capacity for continuous improvement.
Yavapai College participates in the Higher Learning Commission's Open Pathway. The pathway includes recurring institutional reviews, an Assurance Argument, peer review, and a Quality Initiative designed to improve an area of institutional practice.
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle StreetSuite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
(800) 621-7440
(312) 263-0456
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation supports confidence in the quality and stability of the College and may affect transfer, financial aid, licensure, and employment opportunities.
Educational quality
Academic programs and institutional services are evaluated against established quality standards.
Qualified faculty
Faculty qualifications are reviewed in relation to their disciplines, fields, and teaching assignments.
Transfer opportunities
Accreditation can support the evaluation and transfer of eligible coursework to other institutions.
Financial aid eligibility
Institutional accreditation is connected to eligibility for applicable federal student aid and educational benefits.
Licensure preparation
Eligible professional programs prepare students for applicable licensing, certification, or board examinations.
Workforce preparation
Programs are designed to provide relevant education and training for employment and career advancement.
Specialized program accreditation
In addition to institutional accreditation, selected Yavapai College programs are accredited or recognized by organizations that establish standards for specific professions.
Yavapai College first received nursing program accreditation in 1981.
The Radiologic Technology program maintains specialized accreditation through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Yavapai College first received specialized accreditation for its Emergency Medical Services program in 2012.
Yavapai College received Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation accreditation in 2021.
Quality Initiative projects
The Higher Learning Commission's Open Pathway includes a Quality Initiative through which the College addresses an area of institutional improvement.
Open Educational Resources
Review Yavapai College's Quality Initiative proposal addressing Open Educational Resources.
Online and face-to-face learning
Review the final report from the College's comparative analysis of online and face-to-face instruction.
Accreditation resources
Review major institutional accreditation documents and supporting materials.
HLC Assurance Argument
The College's evidence-based narrative addressing the Higher Learning Commission's accreditation criteria.
View the Assurance Argument (PDF)Accreditation visit schedule
Review the published schedule associated with the College's September accreditation activities.
View the visit schedule (PDF)Accreditation contact
Megan Crossfield
Manager, Academic InitiativesInstitutional Effectiveness and Research
(928) 717-7627
megan.crossfield@yc.edu
Historical accreditation leadership
The following committee supported the College's 2021–22 accreditation work. This information is retained as a historical record and does not represent the current committee membership.
| Member | Role at the time of service |
|---|---|
| Diane Ryan, PhD | Vice President of Academic Affairs |
| Tom Hughes, PhD | Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research; HLC Peer Review Corps |
| Amy Ilona Stein, PhD | HLC Peer Review Corps; Institutional Actions Council |
| Stacey Hilton | Dean, Instructional Support |
| Tania Sheldahl | Associate Vice President of Student Development |
| Karen Palmer, PhD | English Professor; Chair of the General Education Committee |
| Sarah Southwick | Coordinator for Assessment and Program Review |