Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Middle States Accreditation
 Overview and Timeline

St. Joseph’s Seminary and College has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1961. 

What is MSCHE? The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a voluntary, non-governmental membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence. MSCHE is a crucial part of what is termed the “regulatory triad” along with the United States Department of Education and a college’s state department of education (in St. Joseph’s case, the New York State Education Department). These three entities ensure that institutions of higher education are financially sound, follow government and accreditor regulations, provide a quality student learning experience, meet expected student learning outcomes, and have processes in place to assess and continually improve the institution.

How is Accreditation Renewed? MSCHE reviews its members on an 8-year cycle. The review requires the completion of an in-depth self-study, including a review and assessment of all areas of institutional governance, structure, processes, policies, practices, finances, student services, academic programming, and institutional priorities and planning. SJS initiated its current MSCHE Self-Study process in Fall 2021 and completed the final stage of the process with the MSCHE Evaluation Team visit, scheduled for March 10-13,  2024.

What must St. Joseph's prove to maintain MSCHE accreditation?  MSCHE requires all members to abide by and show proof of compliance with the MSCHE Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation.

Self-Study Timeline

Fall 2021 – MSCHE Self-Study Steering Committee organized; committee chairs and vice chairs attended MSCHE Self-Study Institute.

Winter 2022 – Self-Study Design drafted.

Spring 2022 – MSCHE Liaison meetings in preparation for the Self-Study; Self-Study Design submitted for MSCHE approval.

Summer/Fall 2022 – Self-Study Report research, writing, and evidence collection.

Spring 2023 - Draft report shared with readers.

June 2023 – Draft Self-Study Report shared with entire Seminary community for feedback.

November 20, 2023 – MSCHE Team Chair preliminary visit.

December 2024 - Self-Study Report presented to FT faculty an Board fo Trustees.

January 2024 – Self-Study Report is finalized; report and evidence uploaded to MSCHE portal.

March 10-13, 2024 – MSCHE Evaluation Team visits campus – This is a dense Sunday to Wednesday visit culminating in a report to the St. Joseph’s community regarding the team’s findings.

June 2024 – Commission Review (REAFFIRMED!)