Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation

Members of the LSSU Campus Community

March 11, 2013

The Higher Learning Commission has reviewed and accepted the monitoring reports submitted in January and no other reports or visits are required.  Our next accreditation visit is scheduled for the 2016-2017 academic year.  The University’s accreditation status as presented on the LSSU Statement of Affiliation

The HLC Analysis of the LSSU Monitoring Reports concluded  “Lake Superior State University submitted an excellent and thorough set of monitoring reports. The report indicates remarkable progress in all four areas of concern to the 2011 comprehensive visit team. The University is commended for its effectiveness in addressing all of these issues and for setting forth the accomplishments of the University with respect to these issues in well organized and informative monitoring reports.”

February 1, 2013

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association has completed a ten-year reaccreditation process and awarded the university “Accredited” status.  LSSU’s next scheduled Evaluation will be in 2016-2017.  The HLC’s formal notification and official record of action letter was received on August 24, 2012.

LSSU hosted the reaccreditation site-visit on October 24-26, 2011. The LSSU Self-Study report and associated documents which were submitted in association with this visit are available from the navigation menu on the left. Approximately two months after the visit, the HLC visitation team returned with their findings: Assurance Section: Report of a Comprehensive Visit.

The report noted that LSSU has met all the required criteria for continued accreditation. We were however also required to report to the HLC on the progress in four areas through monitoring reports which were submitted in advance of the February 1, 2013 deadline.

LSSU Monitoring Reports:

• 2013 LSSU Monitoring Report #1 Promotion Tenure – Addresses establishment of a clearly defined Tenure and Promotion process aligned with the faculty collective bargaining agreement.
• 2013 LSSU Monitoring Report #2 Information Technology – Addresses the IT Strategic plan and Professional Development/Training Plan for IT personnel.
• 2013 LSSU Monitoring Report #3 Assessment – Address development of a university assessment plan outlining a clear process for collecting, disseminating and implementing assessment results.
• 2013 LSSU Monitoring Report #4 Shared Governance – Addresses how the Shared Governance model has progressed and results from the model as it has impacted the new reorganizational structure.

Additionally, the HLC recently issued New Criteria for Accreditation and new Assumed Practices (replacing the old Minimum Expectations). The PEAQ Accreditation review process was also replaced with Pathways. All institutions have either been placed, or will be placed on either the Open Pathway or the Standard Pathway.

Sincerely,

Morrie Walworth
Provost & Vice President
Lake Superior State University