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Committee recommends FGCU apply for Higher Learning Commission membership
Summary
Following changes in Florida law, Provost Debbie Thorne told trustees FGCU intends to apply for membership in the Higher Learning Commission; trustees unanimously recommended the application be forwarded to the full Board.
Provost Debbie Thorne briefed the committee that FGCU received reaffirmation from SACSCOC on Dec. 9, 2025, but changes in Florida law in 2022 now require universities to seek accreditation from an alternate accrediting agency. "FGCU's intent was to apply for membership to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)," Thorne said, and she described the multi-step HLC application process included in the meeting materials.
Trustees discussed whether the proposed timeline was attainable; Thorne and trustees agreed it was reasonable. Trustee Derek Lura moved to approve the application and recommend Board approval; Trustee Joseph Fogg seconded. The Committee voted unanimously in favor of recommending HLC membership to the FGCU Board of Trustees.
