Missouri S&T will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit with the Higher Learning Commission Monday, Oct. 8, and Tuesday, Oct. 9, by a team representing the commission. In preparation for the site visit, the campus community is invited to review and provide feedback on materials created for the evaluation by Wednesday, Feb. 28. Additionally, faculty, staff and students are invited to learn about the accreditation process and provide feedback at open forums, which will be held:

• 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in St. Pat’s Ballroom of the Havener Center
• 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in St. Pat’s Ballroom of the Havener Center
• 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in St. Pat’s Ballroom of the Havener Center

If you will attend a session, RSVP to provost@mst.edu with the date you plan to attend.

The HLC will evaluate Missouri S&T using five criteria for accreditation, which are the standards by which the commission determines whether an institution merits accreditation. Missouri S&T has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. The university was previously reviewed in 2008 and received re-accreditation for 10 years.

Why is accreditation important?

Accrediting agencies such as HLC are designated as the “gatekeepers” for federal funds in higher education, including student financial aid. Accreditation is the gateway to participating in federal and state programs of benefit to higher education. Missouri S&T students receive Federal Title IV financial aid, which would not be available without accreditation.