Institutional Effectiveness and Planning

What is accreditation?

“Accreditation” is review of the quality of higher education institutions and programs.  In the United States, accreditation is a major way that students, families, government officials, and the press know that an institution or program provides a quality education (Council for Higher Education Accreditation).

Why is accreditation important?

Accreditation means that standards of quality and excellence have been met. The standards of excellence for colleges and universities accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) span topics such as quality faculty and academic programs, sound fiscal planning and processes, and the assessment of educational processes, especially learning and integrity.

What is the purpose of reaccreditation?

The reaccreditation process takes place every ten years and involves two stages of evaluation: a campus-wide Self Study, and an on-site evaluation by a team of experts from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The reaccreditation process is an opportunity to assess the extent to which we are accomplishing the shared vision of our institution and serves as a point of departure for charting the future direction of Buffalo State.  The process demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and will be used to strengthen and sustain our future as an institution of higher education.  Through an inclusive and transparent process, we will engage in a careful analysis of institutional priorities that have been selected in the interest of identifying mission-related areas of improvement, responding effectively to challenges, and identifying and adopting innovate practices to more readily achieve our mission, adapt to changes in higher education, and best serve our students and community.

What is Buffalo State University's mission?

Buffalo State University’s Strategic Plan outlines the institutions mission, vision, values, promise and goals.

Who is reaccrediting Buffalo State University?

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a voluntary membership association that “defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources.” As a participating institution, Buffalo State engages in a self-study process every 10 years.

What happens during the reaccreditation visit?

Representatives from MSCHE will visit our campus and hold a series of informational meetings with faculty, staff, and students to get their feedback about Buffalo State’s performance in a variety of areas.