Our Upcoming Middle States Self-Study Review Visit

By Mary Beth Hanner, Provost and Chief Academic Officer

For the past 2 years, Excelsior College has been working on a process of self-study for reaccreditation through our regional accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The reaccreditation process consists of an institutional self-study, peer review, a site visit from a team of evaluators, a report and recommendations from the team, and final Commission action. The visit will occur on March 25 through March 28, 2012.

For those who have participated in institutional self-study, you know what a daunting process this can be. The stakes are very high as regional accreditation is the hallmark of institutional quality and accreditation is necessary for the College to continue to participate in federal financial aid programs. The process has been long and rigorous, requiring multiple teams of individuals to examine evidence, to assess institutional performance, and to determine the degree to which the institution adheres to stated standards. The requirements of the accrediting bodies, especially in terms of accountability, student learning outcomes, and institutional effectiveness, are more rigorous than ever.

Yet what is important to remember is that it is not only about quality assurance - demonstrating that we meet standards - it is also fundamentally about quality improvement - about institutional renewal, about doing things better. While the compliance aspects of accreditation are important and necessary, the improvement aspects are far more important.

Excelsior College has changed fundamentally and dramatically since the last time it was accredited in 2002. So the self-study process is an excellent opportunity for us to reflect on those changes and growth, to understand them within the context of our mission, to celebrate where we have been successful, and to acknowledge when we have been less so.

Many of us were here in 2002; some of you are more recent additions to our community. Whatever your longevity with the College, your participation and contributions to the self-study process are crucial. Below you will find the link to the final self-study report. Please take some time to review it – much thought and hard work has gone into the production of this document. Let me extend my appreciation for your commitment to Excelsior, to this self-study process, and to our processes of institutional renewal and improvement.