Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region of the United States. Their mission is to serve the common good by assuring and advancing the quality of higher learning.
The Criteria for Accreditation are the standards of quality by which the commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation. The following list articulates the mission of the HLC while also discussing how the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University exemplify these ideals based on the wording of the HLC mission statements.
Criterion 1: Mission
The mission of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University demonstrates our commitment to the public good, promotes civic engagement, and fosters climate diversity among all students.
Criterion 2: Integrity - Ethical and Responsible Conduct
CSB/SJU operates with integrity in its financial, academic and community functions. CSB/SJU's policies and procedures call for responsible and ethical conduct among its faculty, students and staff in both academic and community settings. Students are offered guidance in how to be ethical, informed citizens in our world.
Criterion 3: Teaching and Learning - Quality, Resources, and Support
CSB/SJU offers programs that critically engage students in collecting, analyzing, and communicating information, as well as mastering modes of intellectual inquiry and creative work when developing skills that are adaptable to changing environments. CSB/SJU recognizes the cultural and human diversity of the world in which students live, and provides quality education which prepares students for post-graduatory plans.
Criterion 4: Teaching and Learning - Evaluation and Improvement
CSB/SJU demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility for evaluating and the quality of its educational programs and learning environment, while realizing that there is always room for improvement. CSB/SJU ensures that expectations for student learning and faculty qualifications promote a rigorous environment that leads graduates to success and self-improvement.
Criterion 5: Resources, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness
The resources, structures and processes of CSB/SJU are sufficient to fulfill the institutions' missions, improve the quality of its educational offerings, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. The institutions make informed decisions in the best interests of the students and community. CSB/SJU maintains and strengthens the quality of their education for the future by engaging in systematic and integrated planning and improvement.
Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Reports (2018)