Montclair’s Middle States Self-Study: A Campuswide Reflection on Mission, Growth, and Resilience

Over the past two and a half years, Montclair State University has engaged in a comprehensive self-study as part of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmation of accreditation process. Now completed and formally submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the self-study has provided an invaluable opportunity to take stock of Montclair’s significant growth, examine how the institution continues to deliver on its mission, and identify the ways we are strengthening institutional resilience for the future. The self-study report is available for the community to view online.

This work has been truly campuswide. Hundreds of colleagues—serving on eight Working Groups and the Steering Committee, and many others representing nearly every academic and administrative unit—contributed directly and indirectly through evidence development, writing, and review. Just as importantly, many additional voices shaped the final report through draft reviews, surveys, open discussions, and ongoing feedback channels. Together, these contributions produced a self-study that reflects not only institutional priorities and performance, but also the lived experience of our students, faculty, staff, and partners.

The next major milestone is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Evaluation Team visit, scheduled for March 15–18, 2026. A team of peer evaluators from colleges and universities across our region will review our work against Middle States accreditation standards and requirements and will meet with students, faculty, staff, trustees, and administrators. These candid conversations help validate what is presented in our Self-Study Report and deepen the team’s understanding of how we advance academic excellence, support student success, and strengthen institutional effectiveness.

There will be multiple opportunities for members of the University community to engage with the team and share experiences and perspectives—an essential part of the process that helps the team understand Montclair’s culture, strengths, and ongoing commitments. As we prepare for the visit, please take a moment to reflect on how your work advances Montclair’s new mission, how you assess its impact, and how you help move our shared goals forward.

Please stay tuned for updates, including the schedule of open meetings with the visiting team.

Montclair MSCHE Executive Leadership Team:

Joanne Cote-Bonanno
Christine Lemesianou
Brandon Fralix
Danielle Insalaco-Egan