In 1992, Heartland Community College (HCC), in Illinois, was granted candidacy status for accreditation by the North Central Association (NCA). In 1994, the college decided to seek full accreditation to ensure its place in the local community, ensure federal funding, and to show that it had grown since candidacy and was ready to fulfill accreditation criteria. Three factors suggested that the HCC was in a favorable position to achieve accreditation: the college had employed highly experienced faculty and staff; it had a capable employee to direct the self-study process; and there was a strong commitment to the accreditation process by the board of trustees, executive management, and all employees. A climate of cooperation and commitment to the process was created throughout the college through visits from NCA personnel, the inclusion a cross-section of employees on committees, and meetings and updates. The climate was also fostered by HCC's organizational values, including the college's emphasis on a positive attitude; the importance of a collective contribution to the process; the focus on employee integrity, related specifically to preparing staff for the site team visit; and the institutional view of the site visit as an opportunity to offer valuable suggestions and promote positive development. Preparation for the site visit included disseminating information throughout the campus, lunch meetings, and close contact with the site team chair. In August 1994, HCC was granted accreditation. (TGI)