Higher Learning Commission

DCTC Institutional Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association

Accreditation Overview

Your EdgeDakota County Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Serving as an independent corporation, the HLC is one of two commission members of the NCA, which was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the U.S.

HLC accreditation provides valuable, external verification of the quality and integrity of DCTC academic and educational programs based on the college's institutional mission. DCTC received NCA-CIHE full accreditation in 1996. In 2001, the college received HLC-NCA 10-year accreditation. The college is due for 10-year re-accreditation in 2011.

Upcoming HLC Evaluation Team Visit

April 18–20, 2011

As part of the re-accreditation process, the college receives a comprehensive visit by an HLC evaluation team. DCTC prepares for the important visit by executing an internal critical self-analysis called a Self-Study, which is designed to promote continuing improvements in quality. The analysis is founded on five key criteria:

  1. Mission and integrity
  2. Preparing for the future
  3. Student learning and effective teaching
  4. Acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge
  5. Engagement and service

The Self-Study, which involves input and feedback from the entire college community, is followed by the HLC evaluation team visit.

HLC-NCA 10-Year Re-Accreditation Third Party Comments

Dakota County Technical College is seeking comments from the public about the college in preparation for its evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The college will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit by an HLC team April 18–20, 2011.

In 2001, DCTC received HLC-NCA 10-year accreditation. The college is due for 10-year re-accreditation in 2011. The HLC evaluation team will review the college's ongoing ability to meet the Commission's Criteria for Accreditation.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college online at this Web address:

Submit a Third Party Comment

You can also send comments to the following street address:

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed; comments cannot be treated as confidential. All comments must be received by February 18, 2011.