Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

A message from the Provost

SMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which conducts comprehensive evaluations to confirm that member institutions meet the Criteria for Accreditation and other HLC requirements, are pursuing institutional improvement, and comply with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. Evaluations are conducted by teams of peer reviewers.

All institutions accredited by HLC complete periodic reviews on a 10-year cycle to ensure they continue to meet requirements and pursue institutional improvement. SMSU successfully completed the Year 4 evaluation in 2018 and undergoing the Year 10 evaluation now, in the fall of 2024. The team of peer reviewers will be on the SMSU campus Monday, October 27 and Tuesday, October 28.

The peer review team will have read the SMSU Assurance Argument submitted prior to their visit. This document has been developed over the past 15 months with the assistance of the campus community in coordination with the SMSU HLC/Strategic Planning Committee. I am pleased to have co-led this process with Dr. Kristin Kovar, who serves as the SMSU Assessment/HLC Coordinator.

The SMSU Assurance Argument provides discussion and evidence to demonstrate we have met expectations articulated for each of the five review criteria. The following six themes are evident throughout the narrative and stand out as points of pride and emphasis for SMSU.

1. Our actions and our aspirations align with our vision—we strive to be inclusive and student centered.
2. We serve the public good--we have a positive relationship with, and impact on, the community and region.
3. We work well together—we collaborate effectively to accomplish shared goals.
4. We have an established culture of assessment—we value and implement effective practices to improve student learning.
5. We are strategic and intentional in our planning and resource allocation—these areas are aligned in support of our mission.
6. We function productively within the Minnesota State system – we are supportive of, and strengthened by, this relationship.

A copy of the SMSU Assurance Argument is posted under the 2024 Site Visit tab of this page, along with an Executive Summary and information about the peer review team and the site visit schedule. I look forward to this opportunity to share the many good things happening at SMSU!

Dr. Ross Wastvedt
Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs