Accreditation FAQs

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 contribute by reading the entire document and having the summary booklet readily accessible.

What are the next steps in the self-study accreditation process?

  • November-January: collect self-study feedback from all stakeholders
  • January: Review feedback and revise the self-study document
  • February: Submit revised Self-Study document
  • March 17th - 20th: Accreditation visit

What can I do to help with this process?

  • Read the self-study summary document.
  • Post the self-study poster in your office, dormitory, classroom, and/or hallway.
  • 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?

References:
U.S. Department of Education Accreditation FAQ 
Middle States Commission on Higher Education Self Study Process