Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) has successfully completed Assurance Review as part of its ongoing institutional accreditation process. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmed SEMO’s accreditation in 2019, with the University’s next reaffirmation set for the 2029-2030 academic year. Assurance Review is a midpoint evaluation of the institution’s performance designed to ensure a university continues to meet HLC’s criteria for accreditation throughout a 10-year cycle. The Assurance Review involved a comprehensive self-study and was conducted remotely by a team of peer evaluators.
“Accreditation is critical for our operations and the support of our students,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “Institutional accreditation is required for SEMO to be able to award federal Title IV financial aid, which many of our students depend upon to pursue their education. Additionally, accreditation ensures easier transfer of credits between schools. Many universities, including SEMO, will not accept transfer credit from colleges and universities that are not institutionally or regionally accredited. Remaining diligent with all parts of accreditation, including this review, is of the utmost importance.”
SEMO maintains a dedicated HLC Accreditation Committee comprised of executive staff, faculty, professional and clerical staff and other campus leadership to work through the accreditation/reaccreditation process, as well as a subcommittee devoted to developing the assurance argument portion of the review.
“The success of our Assurance Review, and that no additional reporting or monitoring was required, reflects the remarkable efforts and achievements of our faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Doug Koch, interim provost at SEMO.
As a part of the 2019 reaccreditation, SEMO was given the opportunity to follow an Open Pathway—which HLC designs for institutions that have completed at least one pathway cycle and are otherwise eligible to choose their pathway. During years 5-9 of the accreditation cycle, the Open Pathway requires the completion of a Quality Initiative, which is an innovative or strategic improvement project, the University selects with the help of the campus community, and then is approved by HLC. SEMO is currently working on defining what the focus of the Quality Initiative will be and anticipates having that defined in the next year.