AURORA | The Higher Learning Commission has approved the Community College of Aurora to join its Notification Program for Additional Locations, giving the college the ability to open new U.S. sites by notifying the accrediting body rather than seeking advance approval.
College officials said the Nov. 18 decision marks a milestone for CCA as it pursues expansion tied to its five-year strategic plan.
“We’re thrilled about this achievement because it reflects our shared commitment to excellence, equity, and growth,” Kathryn Skulley, the college’s chief analytics and institutional excellence officer, said in a statement. “This approval is more than a procedural step. It is a recognition of CCA’s strength, integrity, and readiness to expand educational access.”
The program allows participating institutions to report planned openings, closures, relocations or reclassifications of sites outside their main campuses. CCA qualified by demonstrating quality control of its locations, clear academic oversight, regular evaluations and financial stability, according to the college.
Officials said the designation will help CCA broaden access to academic and workforce programs as labor demands shift, while supporting community partnerships and regional development.
In reviewing CCA’s application, the commission also considered the college’s recent physical growth. CCA opened its Center for Applied Science and Technology in the past year and expanded into Centennial with its Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. The projects contributed to an award the college received this fall for forward-thinking innovation.
CCA serves students in Aurora, Centennial and Denver and offers courses on three campuses, online and through high school concurrent enrollment programs.