Commonwealth University’s Accreditation Reaffirmed by Middle States

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has reaffirmed Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania’s accreditation through 2032-33. This action follows a comprehensive, multi-year self-study process and reflects the university’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Following initial accreditation, institutions must undergo a thorough self-study every eight years to determine compliance with MSCHE’s seven standards, criteria, and requirements of affiliation. The self-study process requires an in-depth assessment of institutions’ mission and goals; ethics and integrity; design and delivery of the student learning experience; support of the student experience; educational effectiveness assessment; planning, resources, and institutional improvement; and governance, leadership, and administration. This process was moved up from the standard eight years due to the consolidation of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities into Commonwealth University on July 1, 2022, which is considered a complex substantive change.

Institutions document this self-evaluation in a detailed self-study report, accompanied by supporting evidence, and a team of peer evaluators conducts a review and on-site visits to verify compliance.

“Reaffirmation of accreditation by Middle States is an important testament to the high quality of Commonwealth University, the integrity of the institution as a whole, and our effectiveness in serving our students and enriching their lives,” said Commonwealth University President Bashar W. Hanna. “This reaffirmation is especially meaningful because Commonwealth University was created just three years ago through the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities. This transformation required incredible commitment from the faculty, staff, and administrators.”

Commonwealth University’s accreditation process has been led by Dr. Cori Myers, Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Amy Way, Professor of Health Science, and a self-study steering committee. Through this process, CU has demonstrated compliance with the MSCHE quality standards and remains committed to ongoing continuous improvement at the campuses and across the institution, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the assessment and achievement of student learning outcomes.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a global institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Secretary of Education since 1952. As an accreditor, MSCHE assures students and the public of the educational quality of its more than 500 institutions of higher education. The Commission’s accreditation process ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission.