The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has placed College of DuPage on probation due to inability to meet the accreditation agency’s core components. This probation is effective immediately. The HLC will reevaluate the college’s standing in February 2017. A detailed explanation of the probation was included in the HLC’s most recent letter to Acting Interim President Joseph Collins.

The decision comes after the HLC’s visit last July, to which the agency responded with a letter of concern. COD did not meet two of the agency’s components for accreditation, those two being institutional integrity and effectiveness in governance. The letter also pointed out concerns in a variety of categories.

In an email to COD faculty, Collins addressed the letter and his intention to bring the college back to acceptable standards.

“In my opinion, this decision by the Higher Learning Commission is not reflective of the excellence we provide at College of DuPage for our students on a daily basis,” said Collins in the email. “However, there is nothing more important to this College than its accreditation status with the HLC. As the acting interim president of this institution I will do everything in my power to move swiftly to address all of the HLC’s concerns.”

The probation will not affect academic quality or students wishing to transfer.