HIGHLAND, Kan. – Highland Community College has successfully completed the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Assessment Academy, a four-year program designed to provide institutions with targeted support and proven strategies to enhance student learning and success.

The HLC Assessment Academy engages participating institutions in an intentional, long-term project focused on improving assessment practices. Guided by experienced HLC mentors and scholars, Highland’s project centered on piloting co-curricular assessment. This initiative evaluated learning outcomes in areas outside the traditional classroom, including student organizations, athletics and broader student life.

The Highland Assessment Academy team was led by Dr. Jeff Hurn and included Eric Ketchum, Shane Clapper, Lucas Hunziger, Michelle Hurn, Pamela Fulbright, Mary Bryant and Lexy Clark. During the Academy’s concluding roundtable, the team presented a poster project showcasing their achievements and insights gained through the four-year effort.

“Our project underscored the value of co-curricular assessment in capturing the full scope of student learning,” said Dr. Jeff Hurn. “These experiences help equip our students with the skills they need to succeed—whether in the workforce or in continuing their education at a four-year institution.”

Highland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the largest regional accreditor of degree-granting higher education institutions in the United States. Accreditation ensures that the college meets rigorous academic and operational standards, facilitates the transfer of coursework between institutions and affirms the college’s eligibility to award federal financial aid.