Accreditation Cycle
HLC Standard Pathway
St. Cloud State University follows the HLC Standard Pathway for reaffirmation of accreditation. The Standard Pathway is a 10-year cycle in which we engage in a mid-cycle comprehensive evaluation in year four and a comprehensive evaluation for reaffirmation in year ten. An HLC peer review team visits campus in both years four and ten. Our reaffirmation of accreditation is determined in year ten.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
10–Year Standard Pathway Cycle
Prepare Assurance Filing
Institution
Collect evidence and write Assurance Argument for the mid-cycle comprehensive evaluation in Year 4. Will gain access to Assurance Filing in Canopy in Year 2.
Mid-cycle Comprehensive Evaluation
Institution
Submit comprehensive evaluation materials.
Peer Review
Conduct comprehensive evaluation (with visit).
HLC Decision Making
Take action on comprehensive evaluation.
Prepare Assurance Filing
Institution
Collect evidence and write Assurance Argument for the comprehensive evaluation in Year 10. Will gain access to the Assurance Filing in Canopy in Year 8.
Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation
Institution
Submit comprehensive evaluation materials.
Peer Review
Conduct comprehensive evaluation (with visit).
HLC Decision Making
Take action on comprehensive evaluation, Reaffirmation of Accreditation and determine pathway eligibility.
The HLC Standard Pathway Process is available on the Higher Learning Commissions website.
Source: https://www.hlcommission.org/accreditation/cycles-and-processes/standard-and-open-pathways/#standard