What is accreditation?
- Accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional practice.
What is the purpose of accreditation?
- The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.
What is a self-study?
- A self-study requires an institution to engage in an in-depth, comprehensive, and reflective assessment process to identify institutional priorities as well as opportunities for improvement and innovation.
What is the self-study document?
- This document is the result of an institution-wide self-analysis and assessment of the mission, goals, programs, services, and resources as well as documentation of institutional effectiveness.
Why is it important to provide read the self-study document?
- Since the Self-Study encompasses all aspects of the campus community and in the interest of transparency, all stakeholders associated with the institution are encouraged to review the MSCHE Standards and Evidence Expectations. When the Self-Study report is available, we will provide links and summary information.
What are the next steps in the self-study accreditation process?
- August 2025 – April 2026: Standards based working groups develop reports and compile/catalog evidence
- April 2026 - August 2026: Develop Draft Self-Study Report
- August 2026 - November 2026: Share with leadership, collect feedback and revise, as appropriate
- Fall 2026: Team Chair visit to campus
- November 2026 – January 2027: Share Self-Study with all stakeholders and collect feedback from all stakeholders
- ~January 2027: Review feedback and revise the self-study document
- ~February 2027: Submit revised Self-Study document
- Spring 2027: Accreditation visit
What can I do to help with this process?
- Read the Self- Study Summary document (linked here when it becomes available)
- Post the Self-Study poster in your office, dormitory, classroom, and/or hallway (linked here when it becomes available)
- Be aware of the components/requirements associated with accreditation and the alignment of the institution’s missions, goals, and services in this regard.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
- The Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, & Planning:
References:
U.S. Department of Education Accreditation FAQ
Middle States Commission on Higher Education Self Study Process
