51ÊÓƵ

In June 2019, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted to accept the University's self-study report, and reaffirmed its accreditation, marking the successful conclusion of a three-year process. We as a University are proud of this achievement, and of the contributions of so many members of our community who contributed their time, talents, and insights to this process. We now move forward in addressing the resulting recommendations, integrating these into our ongoing planning & continuous improvement processes.

Questions about the Self-Study, or accreditation? Email kathryn.yerkes@scranton.edu .

Read more about the Self-Study process below, and in the pages that follow.

Middle States accreditation is reviewed and reaffirmed through the process of self-study. Over the course of approximately two and one-half years, the faculty, staff, students, and administration of the institution collectively reflect and evaluate how the seven Standards for Accreditation, and Requirements for Affiliation, are met. This is captured in a self-study report, a detailed narrative compiling information, evidence-informed analysis, strengths and achievements, and recommendations for continuous improvement.  In addition to the self-study report, which is reviewed by a group of peer evaluators who form their own recommendations, institutions complete a document detailing their compliance with a number of accreditation-relevant federal regulations. All of this information is reviewed by the Middle States Commission in its decision regarding the institution's accreditation status. 

Although each institution makes decisions about how to structure this process to fit their unique culture, guidelines from the MSCHE outline the elements of a successful self-study. Key among these is a clear and manageable timetable; the commitment and support of top leadership; an effective Steering Committee; engaged, informed Working Groups; and ample opportunities for campus-wide engagement. Before beginning the self-study, institutions must prepare and submit a Design for Self-Study. The University's Design for Self-Study identifies our goals for the process, its close connection to our Mission and Strategic Plan, and the research questions we explored throughout.

The organizational structure for self-study is determined by each institution using MSCHE guidelines. At The University of 51ÊÓƵ, the development of the self-study report has been led by a Steering Committee comprised of faculty and staff from across campus. A co-chair model for the Steering Committee leadership and each of seven Working Groups (one for each Middle States standard) ensures faculty and staff leadership of the process. An eighth working group chaired by the Assistant Provost for Planning & IE/MSCHE ALO coordinated the self-study's compliance reporting requirements. 

A Coordinating Committee, comprised of the Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Associate Provost, and the University's Assistant Provost/Accreditation Liaison Officer played an active role in assuring the active involvement and support of the process, and helping to address questions and needs along the way.

Click here to view the organizational structure of the Self-Study process, and read over some FAQs.