The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has officially reaffirmed the College of Southern Maryland's (CSM) accreditation through 2032, endorsing the college's commitment to educational excellence and integrity.
On June 27, 2024, MSCHE confirmed that CSM meets the rigorous standards required for institutions of higher learning. This reaffirmation follows a comprehensive two-year self-assessment and subsequent peer review process by MSCHE, reflecting the college's continuous dedication to academic excellence and student success.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson expressed gratitude and pride in the community's collaborative effort. "We know that this reaffirmation reflects our legacy of academic excellence, student-centered support, and fiscal accountability," Dr. Wilson remarked. She emphasized the rigorous peer review process as a catalyst for institutional reflection and continuous improvement.
Dr. Bill Comey, Vice President of the Division of Operations and Planning at CSM, highlighted the extensive participation of faculty, staff, and students in the reaccreditation process, which included thorough assessments and meetings with MSCHE evaluators. "It was a pleasure to work with our faculty, staff and students who rallied to conduct a comprehensive two-year self-assessment as well as meet with the Middle States' evaluators during their site visits," he noted.
The reaccreditation process entails an in-depth analysis based on MSCHE's seven Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation. These standards cover a wide range of institutional aspects from mission and goals to governance and leadership. As part of this assessment, CSM engaged in data collection, analysis of reports, and review of policies at multiple levels.
The evaluation team from MSCHE visited CSM in March 2024, affirming that the college meets all standards required for institutional and educational effectiveness. The findings from this visit and the self-study will inform CSM's new five-year Strategic Plan, set to launch in August.
Accreditation by MSCHE not only underscores CSM's adherence to high standards but also ensures that its students are eligible for federal student aid programs.
Middle States is recognized for its role in defining and promoting educational excellence among its member institutions, which vary widely in mission and student demographics. More information about MSCHE and its accreditation standards can be found on their official website.
For details on CSM's ongoing accreditation efforts and the self-study process, visit their accreditation webpage.
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