NEASC Accreditation

The NEASC Self Study Report 2011 is now published and available under "NEASC Self Study Report 2011". Public comments are being sought by the accreditation committee. Click here for more information.

Welcome to The University of Southern Maine Accreditation website.  Every ten years, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) assesses member colleges and universities for accreditation. Every fifth year we are required to undergo a mid-decade update and review. USM’s last review was in 2001, followed by a five year review in 2006. In each of these reviews, we were successful in meeting the requirements established by NEASC.  Goals and challenges identified from those reviews were incorporated into institutional change efforts, providing direction for university development and growth.

NEASC Standards, eleven in all, serve as the guidelines for the achievement of a successful review.  These standards also guide an institution in the preparation of a self-study document which will be developed on campus through accreditation committees and discussions within public forums.  USM's self-study process began in Spring 2009 will and continue for the next 20 months. By early Fall 2010, a report will be compiled and circulated for peer evaluation. A final document, submitted to NEASC in late Fall 2010, will be followed by an early Spring 2011 NEASC site review team visit with final consideration by the Commission in Spring 2011.  Leading us in this effort is Luisa Deprez, Professor of Sociology and Women and Gender Studies.