The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are externally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  In accordance with a ten year review cycle we presented a completed self-study in the fall of 2008 and were successfully reaccredited.

Accreditation serves two primary purposes.  The self-study process and presentation of evidence to an accreditation agency is a way of demonstrating to an external audience that we are self-critical, that we can identify our strengths and weaknesses and respond to evidence with continuous improvement in mind.  This accountability is important for the broad community that supports and depends on our educational mission, including current and prospective students, employers who may hire those students, graduates and benefactors, as well as the networks of civic and social support that our students inevitably become a part of.

The self-study process demands that we assess formal educational activities as well as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and our relationships with internal and external constituencies.  By doing this carefully and honestly the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are able to gather evidence and reflect on it with a collective mindset.  This process inevitably, and ideally, leads to opportunities for institutional self-improvement as well as celebration of success.