Self-Study 2020-21      

West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Our accreditation with Middle States began in 1946, and our accreditation has been continuously reaffirmed since that time. 

Every eight years, we have an opportunity to assure that we continue to meet the standards for educational quality that accreditation requires, and the process for this is called self-study. Like other forms of scholarship that we value, the Self-Study process relies on peer review. As West Chester University embarks upon the self-study process, our goals are very simple. We want to engage the entire campus community as we examine our institutional mission, guarantee that we are able to accomplish that mission, and assure that we are on a path of continuous improvement that leads to student success. Thank you for participating in this important endeavor!

Updates 

 

Year 8 - The self study report is submitted and peer Year 4 - Univeristy submits mid-point peer review (mppr) - Year 5 - Results from previous accreditation and mid point review are used to develop a self study design for the next accreditation cycle. - Year 6 - Self stufy design, a guidefor the self study process, is developed and submitted. - Year 7 - The self study design is accepted, and the self study process begins.reviewers conduct a site visit - year 1 - Accreditation Achieved - Reaccreditation process begins - Year 2- Results of previous self study motivate continuous improvement, reported in the annual institutional update - Year 3 - Results of previous self study motivate continuous improvement, reported in the annual institutional update. -
Year 8 - The self study report is submitted and peer Year 4 - Univeristy submits mid-point peer review (mppr) - Year 5 - Results from previous accreditation and mid point review are used to develop a self study design for the next accreditation cycle. - Year 6 - Self stufy design, a guidefor the self study process, is developed and submitted. - Year 7 - The self study design is accepted, and the self study process begins.reviewers conduct a site visit - year 1 - Accreditation Achieved - Reaccreditation process begins - Year 2- Results of previous self study motivate continuous improvement, reported in the annual institutional update - Year 3 - Results of previous self study motivate continuous improvement, reported in the annual institutional update. -
  • The institution’s mission defines its purpose within the context of higher education, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish. The institution’s stated goals are clearly linked to its mission and specify how the institution fulfills its mission.
  • Ethics and integrity are central, indispensable, and defining hallmarks of effective higher education institutions. in all activities, whether internal or external, an institution must be faithful to its mission, honor its contracts and commitments, adhere to its policies, and represent itself truthfully.
  • An institution provides students with learning experiences that are characterized by rigor and coherence at all program, certificate, and degree levels, regardless of instructional modality. All learning experiences, regardless of modality, program pace/schedule, level, and setting are consistent with higher education expectations.
  • Across all educational experiences, settings, levels, and instructional modalities, the institution recruits and admits students whose interests, abilities, experiences, and goals are congruent with its mission and educational offerings. The institution commits to student retention, persistence, completion, and success through a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success.
  • Assessment of student learning and achievement demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their program of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education.
  • The institution’s planning processes, resources, and structures are aligned with each other and are sufficient to fulfill its mission and goals, to continuously assess and improve its programs and services, and to respond effectively to opportunities and challenges.
  • The institution is governed and administered in a manner that allows it to realize its stated mission and goals in a way that effectively benefits the institution, its students, and the other constituencies it serves. even when supported by or affiliated with governmental, corporate, religious, educational system, or other unaccredited organizations, the institution has education as its primary purpose, and it operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy.

Timeline

Date Tasks to be accomplished Status
Fall 2018 Self-Study Institute (Attended by 4 Steering Committee members)
X
Winter 2019 Open Call to Campus Community to Participate
X
Assemble Steering Committee
X
Spring 2019 Finalize Steering Committee and Working Groups
X
Convene Steering Committee
X
Working Groups Meet
X
Self-Study Workbook provided to all current Workgroup members
X
Summer 2019 Revisions to Self-Study Design
X
Working Groups Meet
X
Host Middle States VP Liaison for Self-Study Preparation Visit (7/17/2019)
X
Revisions and Acceptance of Self-Study Design
X
Fall 2019 Launch event for the campus community to share self-study plan, timeline, and opportunities for participation (9/12/2019)
X
Working Groups gather, analyze data, & report to Steering Committee
X
Spring 2020 Self-Study report drafted and shared with campus community
X
Summer 2020 Self-Study revisions and campus review
X
Fall 2020 Self-Study Report draft sent to Team Chair (9/15/2020)
X
Team Chair’s Preliminary Visit (9/29/2020)
X
January 2021 Self-Study Report finalized based on Team Chair’s feedback
X
Share Self-Study Report w/ Campus
X
February 2021 Final Self-Study/Evidence Inventory uploaded to portal
X
March 21 - 24, 2021 Virtual Site Visit
X
March - May 2021 Team Report
X
Institutional Response
X
June 2021 Commission meets to determine action
X

MSCHE Contact Information

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801
  • 267-284-5011
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