Middle States Self-Study Draft - Community Feedback Requested by September 25
September 14, 2026
Dear Members of the Rutgers Community,
Rutgers is undergoing the 2027 Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Self-Study reaccreditation process. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. Institutions accredited by MSCHE must demonstrate compliance with the commission’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation, its policies and procedures, and applicable federal regulatory requirements. Accreditation also is essential for upholding the university's reputation and commitment to excellence, and maintaining continued eligibility for federal financial aid programs that support our students' success. In addition to meeting these requirements, the self-study process provides members of the Rutgers community an opportunity to collectively assess the quality of our academic programs and the operations of our institution and stimulate a general raising of standards.
We are pleased to share the 2027 MSCHE Self-Study Draft for your feedback. This document is the result of the work of many individuals and groups from across the institution, and we are grateful for their time and effort. While this document is not a strategic plan, it represents a vital part of our university commitment to continuous improvement. Its purpose is to satisfy MSCHE’s reaccreditation requirements based on the 14th Edition of the Standards for Accreditation and Requirement for Affiliation noted above and located on the MSCHE website. The Self Study Draft focuses on Academic Years 2022-2025, per MSCHE requirements.
Please visit the Rutgers MSCHE Accreditation website and click on the link for the 2027 Self-Study Draft. This link may only be accessed on campus or off campus through the VPN; you will be prompted to enter your NetID and password to view it. Please share your feedback no later than Friday, September 25, 2026, via email to evpaa-msche@rutgers.edu. This website also includes information about the planning process and the members of the Steering Committee and working groups.
The MSCHE Self-Study Steering Committee is led by co-chairs Dr. Kim O’Halloran, vice president of academic planning and special advisor to the EVPAA on strategic initiatives, and Dr. Michele Moser Deegan, associate vice president for academic assessment and accreditation. If you need additional information or have questions, please contact the co-chairs via email at evpaa-msche@rutgers.edu.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful feedback and engagement in the self-study review process. We value the important role the university community plays in shaping the final document.
Sincerely,
Keena Arbuthnot, PhD
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Chief Academic Officer
Distinguished Professor