Accrediting Leaders Convene in Chicago for the 2025 C-RAC Retreat

Chicago, IL – More than 140 accreditation professionals from across the country gathered in Chicago on August 6–7 for the 2025 C-RAC Retreat, Connecting Our Values: Strengthening Our Impact. Hosted by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), the two-day event provided numerous opportunities for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and community building with a mix of plenary sessions, breakouts, and networking opportunities.

Regarding the event, Dr. Mac Powell, President of ACCJC and Vice Chair of C-RAC, said “In an environment of rapid change, it is more important than ever that we continue to strengthen our collective impact. The discussions highlighted the innovation, resilience, and commitment that are at the heart of our agencies and institutions. I’m proud of the work being done and the collaboration we are fostering, and I look forward to the continued evolution of our field in meeting the needs of all students.”

Highlights included:

• A panel discussion with the C-RAC Presidents on navigating a changing political and regulatory landscape;

• Breakout sessions on diverse topics, including artificial intelligence, prison education programs (PEPs), and strategic data use;

• A plenary session on the role of accreditors in the future of nontraditional credentials, moderated by Lumina Foundation’s Kermit Kaleba; and

• A closing session with American Council on Education’s Emmanual Guillory forecasting higher education trends under the new Congress and Administration.

The C-RAC participants thank the Lumina Foundation for their sponsorship of this event. C-RAC also extends deep appreciation to the Retreat Planning Committee as well as all of the speakers, facilitators, and participants who contributed their insights and leadership.

To view the full program, please click here.

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About the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC):

C-RAC is a collaborative of the nation’s seven federally recognized institutional accrediting commissions, including the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission of Higher Education, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and WASC Senior College and University Commission. Collectively, C-RAC is responsible for accrediting approximately 3,000 postsecondary, degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States, as well as internationally. Accrediting commissions are private, nonprofit organizations. To learn more, visit www.c-rac.org.