Middle States Monday, Vol. 4: The Preliminary Team Report and federal regulations

Middle States Monday is a new series of announcements and information that will run in the Daily Digest to help students, faculty and staff prepare for our Middle States Reaccreditation Virtual Visit, scheduled for March 24 – 26, 2021.

Use this link to view other installments in the Middle States Monday series.


What to expect on the last day of the Middle States evaluation virtual team visit

On the morning of March 26, the final day of the three-day Middle States Evaluation Team Virtual Visit, Dr. Marcia G. Welsh, president emerita of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and Team Chair, will give a Preliminary Team Report (an initial “read out” of the team’s findings) to the campus.

Such reports may highlight an institution’s significant accomplishments, notable progress, and/or exemplary or innovative practices. Some teams may offer collegial advice for institutional improvement; recommend actions needed to assure a college continues to meet the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation, policies and procedures, and federal regulations; and describe actions needed to demonstrate that the College meets the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation. Teams also could comment on an institution’s compliance with Accreditation-Relevant Federal Regulations. The Team does not take questions after giving the Preliminary Report, leaving immediately after delivering the oral report.


What are the kinds of federal regulations with which the College is expected to comply?

As a federally recognized accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) verifies institutional compliance with accreditation-relevant federal regulations developed by the United States Department of Education at the time of the self-study evaluation and at any other time required by MSCHE.

For this evaluation visit, we filed an Institutional Federal Compliance Report in conjunction with all other accreditation materials according to established guidelines. In the report, we documented New Paltz’s compliance with regulations pertaining to:

    1. Verification in distance and correspondence education
    2. Transfer of credit policies and articulation agreements
    3. Title IV program responsibilities
    4. Institutional record of student complaints
    5. Required information for students and the public
    6. Standing with State and other accrediting agencies
    7. Written arrangements
    8. Assignment of credit hours

We seek your continued involvement in this reaccreditation review. Thank you very much for your ongoing involvement and support in this process.