Dickinson State University (DSU) announced that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has continued and reaffirmed the accreditation of the Institution, following a February 26, 2026, meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The Board’s action follows DSU’s Year 10 Comprehensive Evaluation that took place in May 2025. The decision confirms that the University meets the HLC Criteria for Accreditation and continues to fulfill all assumed practices and federal compliance requirements. The next reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2029-2030.

As part of its action, the HLC will require focused interim reporting to demonstrate continued progress in specific areas that support best practices. DSU will submit its interim report by May 31, 2028. These areas reflect institutional systems that are in progress and advancing, and DSU welcomes the opportunity to document sustained improvement.

Integrating Assessment, Planning, and Budgeting
In its action, HLC determined that the university meets several Core Components “with concerns” and, as such, assigned targeted interim reporting to document continued progress and institutional improvement. DSU, according to the report, had addressed many of the concerns but needed more time to demonstrate progress, especially in data-aligned systems and reporting that help the institution make decisions based on student success outcomes.

In the review of this process, the HLC Committee encouraged DSU to continue its progress of systematically integrating assessment results and operational data into strategic planning and budgeting decisions. The institution is in the mid-cycle of its strategic planning process, where this advice has been integral to planning and budgeting. DSU is also conducting a full compliance investigation and review, which will further assist in developing processes that will support the institution's decision-making for many years.

Additionally, the University’s Academic Vital Signs program review framework now aligns directly with biennial budgeting cycles and incorporates enrollment trends, retention and persistence metrics, graduation data, employment outcomes, and advisory council feedback. Investments, such as enhancements to nursing simulation infrastructure and cadaver labs, have been directly informed by program review findings and workforce demand.

DSU has strengthened its assessment infrastructure through the appointment of a Director of Assessment, implementation of improved reporting templates and tools, and adoption of integrated software systems to formalize documentation of performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators. Over the next reporting cycle, DSU will continue to build longitudinal evidence demonstrating the systematic use of assessment data to guide resource allocation, enrollment forecasting, and strategic decision-making.

As part of the required interim reporting, Dickinson State University must monitor the progress of newly adopted faculty qualification standards due to its dual mission that distinguishes expectations for lower-division and upper-division undergraduate instruction, including coursework supporting certificates at multiple levels. The university will be expected to demonstrate that these differentiated standards are formally adopted, consistently applied, and supported by appropriate documentation as part of its reporting.

A Commitment to Institutional Excellence
“Accreditation is a vital affirmation of our mission, integrity, and academic quality,” said Scott Molander, President of Dickinson State University. “We are proud of the significant progress our faculty and staff have made and are committed to demonstrating continued improvement in every area identified.”

Holly Gruhlke, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, added, “The HLC recognized meaningful advancements in our program review, assessment systems, and governance processes. We view the monitoring requirements not as setbacks, but as structured opportunities to further strengthen our academic infrastructure and institutional effectiveness.”

The continuation of accreditation ensures that DSU students remain eligible for federal financial aid and that degrees awarded by the University continue to meet recognized standards of academic quality.

Dickinson State University remains focused on advancing student success, strengthening rural workforce development, and delivering high-quality academic programming responsive to regional and state needs.

For more information about DSU’s accreditation status, please visit www.dickinsonstate.edu.