Middle States Accreditation Process

Marist completed its Middle States External Review process. Photo by Greta Stuckey ‘23.

At the end of March, Marist College completed its Middle States External Review process which is necessary for institutional reaccreditation. Although the results are preliminary until reviewed by the Commission, the college looks to be successful in all areas of accreditation and received special notice in areas such as diversity, equity and inclusion and international programs. 

Marist’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Thomas Wermuth and 

Professor of Education and Associate Dean for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Carol R. Rinke addressed the Marist community in an email in regards to the college’s accreditation news. 

“We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this Middle States reaccreditation, which was undertaken as a reflective campus-wide effort. Thank you to all members of the working groups for evaluating the evidence, and identifying areas of strength as well as future growth.”

Accreditation is a review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation helps the public know whether or not a higher educational institution or program provides quality education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education maintains seven standards for accreditation as well as fifteen requirements of affiliation.

The self-study process was initiated by Marist in the fall of 2020 with the appointment of the self-study co-chairs. The process involved 128 members of the Marist community. The college also provided the campus with updates throughout that time and held town halls to open discussions about key findings. 

“A big thank you to the hundreds of individuals who dedicated their time this week to meet with the team and others who helped to make them feel welcome here on campus,” Wermuth and Rinke said. “A special thank you to the members of the Middle States Steering Committee who have overseen this process for almost two years, offering sound guidance and support.”

The final Self-Study Report was submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in February 2023. The college was reviewed by a team of 10 higher education leaders. The team was led by the President of Muhlenberg College Dr. Kathy Harring. On March 22, Harring presented an oral summary of the team’s findings which showed that Marist is in a good position for reaccreditation after succeeding in all areas. 

“We are pleased that Marist appears poised for a successful conclusion to this reaccreditation process,” Wermuth and Rinke said. “We are hopeful that the comprehensive review of our practices, coupled with a thoughtful peer review, will also carefully inform our institution as we move into the future.”