Lewis, St. Augustine Submit Application To Higher Learning Commission

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Lewis University and St. Augustine have submitted their application to the Higher Learning Commission, which is the next step in the merger process of the two schools.

The merger was announced in April. St. Augustine College will become a part of Lewis University. St. Augustine's main campus is in Chicago, with satellite campuses in Aurora.

Both schools will continue operating as independent institutions with no disruption to students or missions until the merger is complete, according to a news release.

The application to the Higher Learning Commission was submitted in May. The Commission will now assign a review team to the merger proposal, and a visit will be scheduled for August or September, the university said.

The visit will also include representatives from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Once approved, the merger process will be complete by the end of 2023, and both entities will operate as a single unified Lewis University by spring 2024. St. Augustine will align with the Lasallian global network, of which Lewis is a part. This network is one of the largest Catholic education networks in the world, according to a release.

With the unification, more degree programs will be at the forefront of an expanded bilingual educational experience, according to a release. Students are expected to be able to attend courses in bilingual format at urban or suburban locations.