Accreditation Overview
Dakota County Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
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:
- Mission and integrity
- Preparing for the future
- Student learning and effective teaching
- Acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge
- Engagement and service
The Self-Study, which involves input and feedback from the entire college community, is followed by the HLC evaluation team visit.
