Criteria for Accreditation

HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation provide a balanced, mission-centered framework that ensures educational institutions uphold high standards of quality, prioritize student learning, and operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The criteria respect institutional mission diversity, promote continuous improvement, and reinforce accountability and public trust. St. Cloud State University demonstrates its commitment by providing clear evidence it meets each criterion.

St. Cloud State's Commitment

St. Cloud State University demonstrates its commitment by providing clear evidence it meets each criterion.

Criterion 1: Mission

“The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.”

Evidence examples: public-facing mission statement, enrollment profile, aligned policies, recruitment materials, community engagement activities supporting diverse perspectives

Criterion 2: Integrity

“In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.”

Evidence examples: audits, university meeting minutes, policies, catalog, costs, campus publications, published accreditations, board documents, academic freedom, research animal care, grants/sponsored programs

Criterion 3: Teaching and Learning

“The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location, or other differentiating factors.”

Evidence examples: program/course learning outcomes, assessment of student learning, assessment plans, academic program review, course outlines/syllabi, admission policies, modes of inquiry, faculty scholarship/creative works, specialized accreditation, faculty qualifications, student support services, professional development, technology and labs, student outcomes

Criterion 4: Sustainability

“The institution’s resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning enable it to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational programs, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.”

Evidence examples: collaborative planning, organizational structure, data-informed institutional actions, community partnerships, audits, investments, master facility plan, budget processes and allocations, fundraising, enrollment plan, grants, strategic plan, key performance indicators, recruitment and retention, student services, student advising