This page includes information on the key aspects of the Self-Study Design document that maps out the approach that Rutgers University will undertake in our pathway to reaccreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) from now through June 2027. Click these links for more information about the MSCHE Timeline or Committees and Working Groups.
The institutional strategic priorities used to guide the MSCHE Self-Study constitute our cohering strategies to pursue our mission as a singular institution while centering the varied and contextually relevant programmatic initiatives led by the Chancellor-led Units and central administrative areas of Rutgers.
This priority focuses on our institutional commitment to be the national model for fostering access to world-class academic programs and enabling social mobility and educational equity by supporting the whole person while a student at Rutgers and meaningful engagement as post-graduates.
This priority recognizes our commitment to democratic principles as we work to build a community that is defined by mutual respect, diversity, and the spirited exchange of opinions and ideas, that models and facilitates good citizenship, and that recognizes that Rutgers is representative of our democracy and the growing diversity of our country.
Recognizing our role as the State University of New Jersey and a national research center, this priority focuses on Rutgers' scholarly research, health care, and community partnerships to address societal challenges and improve the lives of people in New Jersey and around the world.
Rutgers will use the Self-Study process to reflect upon how the institution meets its mission in order to enhance its overall effectiveness. This process will be inclusive, engaging individuals from multiple stakeholder groups and consider a range of data and evidence universitywide. To that end, we will address the three required MSCHE Intended Outcomes:
The final Self-Study Report will be formatted to ensure consistency of our narrative and all tables and charts. We have created a Style Guide for the Working Groups to follow, which is included in Appendix C. The maximum page limit for the report will be 100 pages, excluding any appendices.
The final Self-Study will be organized as follows:
Executive Summary: This summary will identify key findings and suggestions from our Self-Study aligned with our Institutional Strategic Priorities and intended Outcomes. This section will also highlight our compliance with MSCHE Standards.
Introduction: This short introduction will provide a brief overview of Rutgers as well as an outline of the Report and how the Institutional Strategic Priorities and intended Outcomes were selected.
Report Body: This section will include a chapter for each MSCHE Standards. The chapters will be organized as follows.
Conclusion: This brief section will conclude our Self-Study with a summary of suggestions and ways in which the Self-Study could be used considering our administrative changes.
Appendix: The Appendix will include a summary of the Evidence Inventory used for the Self-Study identified by Standard.
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