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HLC Accreditation Reaffirmation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Reaffirmation 2026

students outside walking and biking

On November 16-17, 2026, University of Detroit Mercy (Â鶹APP) will host a Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Peer Review Team for a Comprehensive Evaluation Site Visit. During the visit, peer reviewers will assess whether the University continues to meet the HLC and remains committed to academic quality and continuous improvement.

Accreditation by the HLC affirms that Â鶹APP meets nationally recognized standards of quality and integrity and ensures eligibility for federal financial aid, transfer of academic credit, and recognition of its degrees.

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    Accreditation History

    Â鶹APP is accredited by the HLC, an independent accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The University has a long and distinguished history of institutional accreditation. The University of Detroit received initial accreditation in 1931, Mercy College was initially accredited in 1951, and the consolidated institution, University of Detroit Mercy, achieved initial accreditation in 1991. The University remains accredited by the HLC through 2026.

    Please visit  Accreditation & Academic Compliance for more information about institutional and program-level accreditation.

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    Criterion & Core Components

    The HLC Criteria for Accreditation articulate the standards of quality by which the Commission evaluates institutions for accreditation and reaffirmation. These Criteria recognize the diversity of institutional missions across HLC’s membership while establishing shared expectations for educational quality, integrity, and institutional effectiveness.

    The HLC Core Criterion are:

    1. Criterion 1: Â鶹APP
    2. Criterion 2: Integrity — Ethical and Responsible Conduct
    3. Criterion 3: Teaching and Learning — Quality, Resources, and Support
    4. Criterion 4: Sustainability — Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning
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    Self-Study Writing Resources

Federal Compliance Requirements

As part of the reaffirmation visit, the HLC reviews the University’s compliance with applicable federal requirements. This review evaluates institutional policies and documentation related to areas such as financial aid, campus safety, consumer information, and student rights to ensure ongoing accountability and compliance. For more information see the HLC website for .

Federal Compliance Committee

Shelley Wagnon
Executive Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness

Jessica Rouser
Director of Scholarship & Financial Aid

Amy Wisniewski
Associate Vice President and University Registrar


HLC Reaffirmation Committee 

Chair: 

Shelley Wagnon
Executive Director IR&E and HLC Accreditation Liaison Officer

 

Criterion 1: Â鶹APP

Jocelyn Boryczka
Dean, College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences

Joe Eisenhauer
Dean, College of Business Administration

Charles Oduke
Vice President for Â鶹APP Integration

  

Criterion 2: Integrity – Ethical and Responsible Conduct

Kate Harger
Dean of University Libraries

Ahmed Radwan
Dean, College of Health Professions

 

Criterion 3: Teaching and Learning – Quality, Resources, and Support

Karen Lee
Associate Vice President for Academic Administration

Noah Resnick
Associate Dean, School of Architecture & Community Development

Kathi R. Shepherd
Assistant Dean, Educational Development and Assessment, School of Dentistry

  

Criterion 4: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning

Dennis Carlesso
Vice President for University Advancement

Tom Manceor
Vice President for Finance & Administration

Pamela Zarkowski
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs