Self-Study FAQ
What is accreditation?
What is the self-study?
How often does accreditation happen?
Who certifies MCLA's accreditation?
When will our campus visit take place?
What if I have other questions?
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a system of voluntary self-regulation that complements the requirements outlined by state educational systems, federal oversight of financial aid, and professional licensure in many fields. Accrediting bodies establish standards of best practice that: 1) provide a framework for institutional development and self-evaluation; and 2) articulate what a college or university must do in order to deserve the public trust. Top of Page
What is the self-study?
The self-study is a comprehensive review of MCLA's organization and operation. We organize the self-study in response to eleven standards that cover everything from our mission and purpose, to our academic program and student profile, to our physical plant and technology infrastructure. In the self-study, we describe the ways in which we meet the standards, identify areas of progress and improvement, and offer plans to continue moving the college forward in the next ten years. The self-study will be drafted by eleven standard committees, with over 80 members of the MCLA community involved. Top of Page
How often does NEASC accreditation happen?
Every ten years we prepare a self-study in advance of a "comprehensive" visit by a team of peer reviewers. We also provide periodic updates and interim reports as recommended by the visiting team, including a standard fifth-year report. Top of Page
Who certifies MCLA's accreditation?
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is the regional accrediting agency that serves MCLA. NEASC is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Every region in the country has a similar organization that is responsible for reviewing the schools in its area both K-12 and postsecondary institutions. If you are interested in more information, visit the web site at www.neasc.org. Top of Page
When will our campus visit take place?
A visiting team representing NEASC will be at MCLA from November 3-6, 2013. Top of Page
What if I have other questions?
You can email your questions to neasc2013@mcla.edu. Top of Page
