The Higher Learning Commission has approved Grand Canyon University’s application to become a non-profit institution — a major step in the process to return the University to its historical roots.
“We appreciate the Higher Learning Commission’s due diligence in thoroughly examining our proposal,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “This is consistent with GCU’s history and puts us on a level playing field with other traditional universities with regard to tax status and, among other things, the ability to accept philanthropic contributions, pursue research grant opportunities, and participate in NCAA governance.”
As part of the transition, GCE will sell certain academic-related assets to a non-profit entity that will carry the Grand Canyon University name. Following the sale, GCE will operate as a third-party provider of educational and related services to GCU and potentially, in the future, to other universities. The structure is similar to that at hundreds of non-profit universities in the country that outsource services to third-party providers.
“HLC approval is the major step in this process,” Mueller said. “We’re now working toward finishing up the final details that will allow us to complete the transition by the end of the second quarter of 2018.”
