What is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education?
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a global institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Secretary of Education since 1952. As an accreditor and member of the regulatory triad, MSCHE assures students and the public of the educational quality for its over 500 institutions of higher education. The Commission’s accreditation process ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission.
USDE recognizes the scope of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and its geographic area as follows:
Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education programs, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. Recognition extends to the Executive Committee to act on behalf of the Commission as necessary on cases of initial, reaffirmed, and continued candidacy or initial, reaffirmed, and continued accreditation.
Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.
How long is the accreditation cycle and when was Lafayette College last reaccredited?
The MSCHE operates on an eight-year cycle of continuous assessment and Lafayette’s most recent reaccreditation was in 2019. The College’s next reaccreditation campus visit is scheduled for Spring 2028.
How does Middle States evaluate a member institution during a reaccreditation cycle?
In pursuance of accreditation/reaccreditation, Middle States requires that the institution conduct a Self-Study Evaluation in accordance with the assigned accreditation review cycle. Self-study requires that the institution engage in an in-depth, comprehensive, and reflective assessment process to assess the institution’s educational quality and success in meeting its mission, as well as identify institutional priorities and opportunities for improvement and innovation. Through an inclusive process, the institution must provide evidence and document compliance with the Commission’s standards for accreditation,requirements of affiliation, policies and procedures, and applicable federal regulatory requirements. In meeting the quality standards of MSCHE accreditation, institutions earn accredited status, assuring students and the public of excellence in higher education.
Learn more at msche.org
What is a Self-Study Report?
Self-study is an intensive review of an institution’s educational programs and services, student learning, and achievement of its stated goals and mission, as measured against standards that have been developed by MSCHE. In order to demonstrate compliance with all seven MSCHE standards, Lafayette is required to produce a Self-Study Report.
This Self-study Report and the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation serve as the basis for on-site evaluation by a team of peer evaluators. During Self-Study, the institution carefully considers its educational programs, policies and services, with particular attention to student learning and achievement, and it determines how well these programs and services accomplish the institution’s goals, fulfill its mission, and meet the Commission’s Standards.
How can I participate?
- Attend open meetings and information sessions
- Provide feedback on document drafts
- Contact the Lafayette College Middle States Reaccreditation Steering Committee with thoughts, suggestions, or concerns at middlestates@lafayette.edu