Self-Study 2028
West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is one of six institutional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Our accreditation with Middle States began in 1946, and our accreditation has been continuously reaffirmed since that time.
Every eight years, we have an opportunity to assure that we continue to meet the standards for educational quality that accreditation requires, and the process for this is called self-study. Like other forms of scholarship that we value, the Self-Study process relies on peer review. As West Chester University embarks upon the self-study process, our goals are very simple. We want to engage the entire campus community as we examine our institutional mission, guarantee that we are able to accomplish that mission, and assure that we are on a path of continuous improvement that leads to student success. Thank you for participating in this important endeavor!
Updates
- March 25, 2026 – MSCHE VP Liaison Preparation Visit
- August 31, 2026 – Building Our Story: MSCHE Self-Study Workgroup Kickoff
- The institution’s mission defines its purpose within the context of higher education, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish. The institution’s stated goals are clearly linked to its mission and specify how the institution fulfills its mission.
- Ethics and integrity are central, indispensable, and defining hallmarks of effective higher education institutions. in all activities, whether internal or external, an institution must be faithful to its mission, honor its contracts and commitments, adhere to its policies, and represent itself truthfully.
- An institution provides students with learning experiences that are characterized by rigor and coherence at all program, certificate, and degree levels, regardless of instructional modality. All learning experiences, regardless of modality, program pace/schedule, level, and setting are consistent with higher education expectations.
- Across all educational experiences, settings, levels, and instructional modalities, the institution recruits and admits students whose interests, abilities, experiences, and goals are congruent with its mission and educational offerings. The institution commits to student retention, persistence, completion, and success through a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success.
- Assessment of student learning and achievement demonstrates that the institution’s students have accomplished educational goals consistent with their program of study, degree level, the institution’s mission, and appropriate expectations for institutions of higher education.
- The institution’s planning processes, resources, and structures are aligned with each other and are sufficient to fulfill its mission and goals, to continuously assess and improve its programs and services, and to respond effectively to opportunities and challenges.
- The institution is governed and administered in a manner that allows it to realize its stated mission and goals in a way that effectively benefits the institution, its students, and the other constituencies it serves. even when supported by or affiliated with governmental, corporate, religious, educational system, or other unaccredited organizations, the institution has education as its primary purpose, and it operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy.
Timeline
| Date | Tasks to be accomplished |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Self-Study Institute (SSI) |
| Fall 2025 | Self-Study Design Writing |
| November 14, 2025 |
Commission staff liaisons host post-SSI conference calls with key institutional representatives by this date |
| January 30, 2026 |
Submit draft Self-Study Design to Commission staff liaisons by this date |
| March 25, 2026 | WCU hosts Michael Bowden, MSCHE VP Liaison, for Self-Study Preparation Visit |
| June 12, 2026 | Institutions submit revised Self-Study Designs to Commission staff liaisons by this date |
| July 16, 2026 | If the revised Self-Study Design is accepted, Commission staff liaisons send approval letters to institutions by this date |
| Fall 2026 | Workgroups meeting and gathering evidence |
| Spring 2027 – Fall 2027 | Workgroups writing |
| September 3, 2027 | Commission staff liaisons send institutions nominations of team chairs by this date |
| September 30, 2027 | The Commission contacts institutions to confirm team chair appointments by this date |
| January 31, 2028 |
The Commission identifies vice-chairs and confirms no conflicts of interest with institutions by this date |
| January 31, 2028 |
The Commission sends institutions evaluation team rosters by this date |
| Spring 2028 | Draft shared with campus community |
| April 28, 2028 | Institutions host Team Chair Preliminary Visits by this Date |
| Summer 2028 | Final Draft Approved |
| 10 weeks prior to Team Visit |
Institutions upload final Self-Study Report and all evidence by this date |
| November 17, 2028 |
All fall 2028 Evaluation Team Visits must be completed by this date |
MSCHE Contact Information
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801
- 267-284-5011