SIUE Receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

SIUE Receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), following a rigorous, University-wide review process including a successful on-site evaluation earlier this spring. The HLC visiting peer-review team found no areas of concern and affirmed that SIUE meets all five Criteria for Accreditation, including all core components and federal compliance standards.

With this outstanding outcome, SIUE will continue its positive accreditation with the next comprehensive institutional review to occur in 2035. SIUE will also continue its participation in the HLC's Open Pathway, that offers a more flexible, streamlined and improvement-focused accreditation process. This allows SIUE to align accreditation efforts with strategic priorities through the ten-year cycle.

"This outcome affirms that SIUE continues to meet the evolving challenges of higher education while upholding the highest standards of quality, integrity and student success," said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. "It reflects our commitment to shared governance, sound financial stewardship and a culture of continuous improvement. I am deeply grateful to our faculty and staff, whose dedication was clearly recognized by the HLC review team. This achievement is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence."

Institutional accreditation is critical to ensuring SIUE's continued success and validates the quality of degree programs. Maintaining accreditation allows SIUE's programs to receive specialized accreditation, students to sit for licensure, faculty and staff to pursue grants and students to receive federal aid.

"This successful reaffirmation is a powerful reflection of the shared values and collaborative spirit that define our institution," said Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, Associate Provost for Accreditation, Assessment and Academic Planning. "It was truly a team effort-from the authors of our assurance argument to the dozens of faculty, staff and students who participated in open forums, committee work and preparation sessions. It was inspiring to see our University community come together during this rigorous process. I want to express my heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and perspective in preparing for the visit and during the open forums and focused sessions. Your dedication made it clear to the peer review teams and the HLC accreditors that SIUE is a university deeply committed to academic excellence, equity and continuous growth with a sense of pride in its mission and its community."

During the 2024-2025 academic year, SIUE embarked on a collective journey to prepare for the comprehensive evaluation visit. Preparations were led by the Office of the Provost, with Ibroscheva serving as the institution's accreditation liaison, along with strong support from the office of Institutional Research and Studies. The comprehensive assurance argument submitted in advance of the visit represented months of collaborative work across campus, led by a committed group of faculty, staff, students, administrators and governance bodies. The site visit, conducted Monday, March 31-Tuesday, April 1, included formal meetings with leadership, open forums with students, faculty, and staff and in-depth reviews of SIUE's operations.

Participation of the campus community in the preparation of the written assurance arguments and the actual visit strengthened the case. The visiting team commended the University for its commitment to its institutional mission that was demonstrated in our commitment to student success and evidence-based planning and decision-making.

"I am always incredibly proud to share the SIUE story, and our recent HLC reaffirmation process provided ample opportunity to introduce peers from across the country to the great work of our faculty, staff and students," said Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. "I am now thrilled to be able to share the news of this successful outcome. Accreditation is not an event but a process and a commitment to ensure excellence in our operations and to maintain public trust. This journey to reaffirmation was a great deal of work for our community, and I am proud of the way each member of our community showed up to share their stories and to help our reviewers understand what is special about our campus."

According to SIUE's internal accreditation report prepared for the Higher Learning Commission, SIUE's innovative, problem-based learning and strong community partnerships make it a valued leader in the region. The report notes that the University's leadership demonstrates a thoughtful and deliberate approach in addressing challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.

"With a strong strategic plan, innovative programs and a deeply committed campus community, SIUE is well-positioned for the future," concluded Ibroscheva. "Faculty and staff are recognized for their deep commitment to student success; a strength echoed in students' praise for the high-quality education and supportive environment at SIUE."

PHOTO: Cougar statue at dusk. Photo by Howard Ash.