8. Planning and Management of Resources to Ensure Institutional Sustainability
The Higher Learning Commission does not privilege wealth. Students do expect, however, that an institution will be in operation for the duration of their degree programs. Therefore, the commission is obliged to seek information regarding an institution’s sustainability and, to that end, wise management of its resources.
The commission also watches for signs that an institution’s financial challenges are eroding the quality of its programs to the point of endangering the institution’s ability to meet the Criteria for Accreditation. Careful mid- and long-range planning must undergird an institution’s budgetary and financial decisions.