Where can I request an official statement of our accreditation status?
Anyone can generate our Statement of Accreditation Status by navigating to our page on MSCHE’s website and selecting the Print SAS button.
What is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education?
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is the accrediting arm of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, a private,
voluntary membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence in colleges and universities with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. In accrediting member institutions, the commission examines each
institution as a whole rather than specific programs within the institution. Historically, the Middle States Association accredited degree-granting colleges and universities in the region that includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland,
New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since 2020, the primary accrediting bodies in the United States are no longer region-specific.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a process of peer review that the higher education community has used for self-regulation since the early 20th century. This voluntary process is intended to strengthen and maintain the quality and integrity
of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence. Institutions choose to apply for accredited status and, once accredited, agree to abide by the standards of their accrediting organization and to regulate themselves by taking responsibility
for their own improvement.
Why is it important to have accreditation?
Accreditation is primarily a means of assuring the public that an institution is providing quality education consistent with its own mission and the principles established by the accrediting body.
It demonstrates to other institutions, institutional leadership, faculty, students, and its community that it is committed to continuous improvement. Accreditation is also a requirement for any institution seeking federal financial aid for its students.
Finally, accreditation is usually a requirement for the transfer of students’ credits between institutions.
What are the criteria for MSCHE accreditation?
MSCHE has identified seven key characteristics of excellence. These characteristics address all aspects of an institution's
effectiveness, including mission, infrastructure, faculty, student body, resources, leadership, and educational offerings.
What are MSCHE's standards?
You can learn more about the standards and their criteria here.
How does MSCHE ensure our institution complies with its standards and criteria?
Every eight years, member institutions are required to conduct a holistic assessment of their compliance with MSCHE standards through an intensive Self-Study. Through the Self-Study, an institution evaluates how well it is meeting both its own goals and
the commission's standards. Another important part of the review process is a visit by a team of external evaluators. The team reviews the Self-Study and other background materials and visits the institution to gather additional information and perspectives
from students, faculty, administrative staff, and community members. The team then produces a report for MSCHE. After reviewing all the documentation from the review process, the commission makes a decision about accrediting the institution.
In addition, MSCHE conducts ongoing monitoring between the eight-year Self-Study cycle, requesting supplemental reporting, annual data reporting on key institutional metrics, and other kinds of information gathering.
Can I submit a complaint to MSCHE directly?
Yes; the commission offers the opportunity to submit complaints regarding the institution’s compliance with standards for accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies and procedures, and applicable
federal regulatory requirements. Please submit your comment here. Note that you will first be asked to provide evidence of how you have attempted to resolve this issue
through The New School’s own internal processes.
I have other questions or comments. How can I share them?
Send your comments and questions by email directly to Dr. Prisca Wood, Assistant Provost of Compliance and Accreditation. We invite input from
the New School community and will do our best to answer your questions. This FAQ will be updated and expanded periodically.