In order to be verified by Northern Lights at CCV, college transcripts, certificates, and diplomas must be from a recognized and appropriately accredited institution of higher education (IHE). Northern Lights at CCV follows the same policy as the Community College of Vermont (CCV) in reviewing and accepting documentation from higher education institutions.
There are two criteria that must be met for Northern Lights at CCV to accept IHE documentation:
- The institution of higher education (IHE) must be accredited; and
- The accrediting agency must be recognized by both the Council of Higher Education (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education.
Northern Lights at CCV conducts the following process to determine if an institution of higher education (IHE) meets accreditation requirements:
- Visit the website of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and search for the IHE to determine which agency accredits the institution.
- Find the link on the website for “CHEA- and USDE-Recognized Accrediting Organizations” to determine if the accrediting agency of the IHE is recognized by both CHEA and the US Department of Education. If so, the credits, degrees, and certificates from this IHE meet the accreditation requirements for Northern Lights at CCV
- In cases where there is any question about the accreditation of an IHE, Northern Lights will consult with the CCV registrar.
These criteria are used when reviewing all diplomas, degrees, certificates, credentials, or transcripts issued by institutions of higher education before entering documentation into BFIS Quality and Credential Accounts. They are also used when reviewing applications for certificates or credentials issued by Northern Lights at CCV.