South Dakota Mines Achieves Continued Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

South Dakota Mines has been reaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for 10 years, continuing its nearly century-long dedication to high-quality education standards. The university's next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2033-2034.

Mines has been continually accredited since 1925.

“The HLC accreditation process takes several months of preparation from every department on campus,” said Interim President Lance Roberts, Ph.D. “Our faculty and staff members are to be commended for their roles in our continued successful accreditation.”

The HLC is an independent organization accrediting degree-granting post-secondary education institutions in the United States. Since its founding in 1895, the HLC has been one of the leading regional institutional accreditors, evaluating universities’ effectiveness in fulfilling their educational missions based on a rigorous set of quality standards. 

The HLC announcement concluded an 18-month comprehensive process that included a rigorous peer review, evaluation and site visit, said Darcy Briggs, Ph.D., associate vice president for academic affairs.

“This was really a university-wide effort, and we are proud of the work we accomplished together,” Briggs said. “Our continued accreditation demonstrates the university’s commitment to our students, alumni and community and ensures Mines continues to uphold the highest standard of excellence.”

The reaccreditation project involved thorough self-assessment, collaboration and active engagement with the university community, Briggs added.

To demonstrate compliance with the HLC criteria for accreditation, assumed practices, and federal compliance requirements, five working teams comprised of faculty and staff from across the institution were formed. Those teams gathered supporting evidence for each HLC criteria and engaged with their colleagues about accreditation. Additionally, during the site visit, more than 100 faculty, staff, students, South Dakota Board of Regents members, and community members participated in meetings with the HLC peer review team.  As a result of this comprehensive work, Mines met each of the criteria for accreditation.

“This institution has a history, and we want to carry on this excellent reputation,” Briggs said.

The university is now in its four-year Open Pathway assurance review, a virtual assessment to ensure Mines continues to improve and comply with the HLC criteria for accreditation.