Working Groups Hard at Work for Middle States Accreditation Self-Study

It may have looked like a regular Friday on the Montclair State University campus but there was a palpable buzz that filled the air as over 70 members of the community gathered for the kickoff meeting for the University’s Middle States Accreditation Self-Study. Embarking on this two-year self-review journey, participants will be collaborating in Working Groups, each entrusted with the analysis and evaluation of the institution’s adherence to the Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation and the investigation of and progress towards select priorities. As Junius Gonzales (Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs) clearly articulated, accreditation is a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement and the endeavor must be rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Middle States Accreditation is a rigorous evaluation process that educational institutions undergo to ensure they meet specific standards of quality and effectiveness. The accreditation process examines various aspects of the institution, including its mission, educational programs and student learning experiences, governance structure, and financial stability, among others. For Montclair State University, Middle States Accreditation is more than just a badge of honor or a bureaucratic task. The university has undergone tremendous growth and transformation in the last few years, including a merger and the integration of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University into the fold. This self-study is a tremendous opportunity to provide an honest, evidence-based evaluation of the institution’s strengths and signature accomplishments, adherence to the Middle States standards, and areas for future enhancement.

Montclair has identified certain priorities that will shape the self-study inquiry and provide valuable insights as the university works towards its next strategic plan:

1. Optimize Student Success: Use an equity lens to explore opportunities to improve student success metrics and student engagement/belonging.
2. Drive Academic Excellence and Innovation: Foster academic innovation and excellence with the development of new academic structures, programs, and hallmark high-impact practices (HIPs).
3. Fortify Institutional Vitality: Optimize data-driven decision-making for operational effectiveness, optimal integration with BC, and overall financial health.
4. Scale Up Impact and Reach: Enhance the footprint of the University as a hub for excellence in teaching, research, and community service.

Stay tuned for more updates and open forums throughout the spring 2024 semester as the University works towards completion of the Self-Study Design.

For any comments or questions, please email: selfstudy2026@montclair.edu