Open Pathways

Northern Arizona University participates in the Higher Learning Commission Open Pathway. The 10-year cycle includes two processes: Quality Assurance and Quality Initiative. View NAU’s timeline. The Open Pathway is unique in that its improvement component, the Quality Initiative, affords institutions the opportunity to pursue improvement projects that meet their current needs and aspirations.

Quality Assurance

Central to the Quality Assurance process for accreditation process is the Criteria for Accreditation, Assumed Practices and Obligation of Affiliation. To reaffirm our accreditation, Northern Arizona University must provide evidence that demonstrates that we meet the five criteria and offer an Assurance Argument organized by the criteria and their core components. This process occurs in Year 4 and Year 10.

Year 4 Assurance Review

As a part of the Open Pathway accreditation process, in AY 21-22, Northern Arizona University submitted an Assurance Review with evidence documenting how we continue to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation.

Based on the HLC Peer Review team’s recommendations following a thorough review, HLC determined that NAU has successfully completed its Year 4 Assurance Review with no recommended monitoring.

Year 10 Comprehensive Evaluation

In AY 27-28, Northern Arizona University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure we are meeting the Criteria for Accreditation, pursuing institutional improvement and complying with certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. This review leads to an action regarding the reaffirmation of the institution’s accreditation.

Quality Initiative

Complementing the Quality Assurance process, the Quality Initiative, an institutionally determined improvement effort, takes place between Years 5 and 9 of the 10-year Open Pathway Cycle.

In AY22-23, NAU identified a meaningful project and submitted a Quality Initiative proposal to the HLC. HLC peer reviewers approved the proposal, based on sufficiency of scope and significance, clarity of purpose, evidence of commitment and capacity, and appropriateness of timeline. Following completion of the project, NAU will submit a report for review by HLC peer reviewers.

Updated 6/12/2023