Steering committee to hold a meeting Wednesday to kick off the “Self-Study Design”
Rutgers is in the process of seeking reaccreditation from an independent commission that evaluates colleges and universities to ensure they are meeting standards and delivering quality education.
The process of receiving reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is rigorous and is repeated every eight years. This independent commission evaluates colleges and universities to ensure they are meeting standards and delivering quality education. The process involves an institution-wide self-study. Rutgers began this round in 2023 and received approval for its Self-Study Design plan in June 2025.
This work is led by a 25-member steering committee, selected from across the university last year. The group will hold a meeting on Sept. 24 to kick off the implementation of the Self-Study Design in the coming year.
The co-chairs of the steering committee – Kim O'Halloran, vice president for academic planning and administration and chief of staff for the executive vice president for academic affairs; and Michele Deegan, associate vice president for academic assessment and accreditation and the university’s accreditation liaison officer – spoke with Rutgers Today about what’s next in the process and why reaccreditation matters.
What is the self-study report and what will be in it? What (and who) is involved in compiling the report?
Kim O'Halloran: The self-study report is the document that allows us to demonstrate to MSCHE that we are meeting its standards for accreditation and our own goals for delivering a quality education for all our students. It is important to note that Rutgers was first accredited in 1921 – more than a century ago – so our institution has long met high standards for what we do.
The report will be compiled by the steering committee, comprised of faculty and staff representing all four chancellor-led units and universitywide offices, members of University Senate, a student advisory committee and the Evidence Inventory Committee. Members of the steering committee lead seven working groups, which will work with individuals across the institution to gather information and use it to draft their sections of the report.
What are the benefits of a self-study? Why is it important to Rutgers?
Michele Deegan: The process of self-study is important to Rutgers because it provides the opportunity for a holistic assessment of how our institution serves our mission and meets the seven standards of accreditation set forth by MSCHE. These standards are comprehensive in scope, touching upon our policies and procedures across all operational areas including academic life and administrative functions such as human resources, finance, and planning. The process also is beneficial because it brings together representatives of the entire community including students, faculty, staff and alumni and incorporates these voices into the self-study. The Rutgers community will have a chance to view a draft of the self-study in fall 2026 before it is finalized.
The document also will provide an excellent jumping-off point for future institutional planning, as it will provide a foundation to help us understand our current state and our accomplishments, and will illuminate our opportunities and challenges as we move forward.
What is happening with the self-study this academic year? Who is engaging and in what ways?
O'Halloran: This fall, members of the seven working groups (over 90 people) will begin to examine evidence collected over the course of the last year across all academic and operational areas. The Working Groups will prepare drafts of their respective Middle States Standard chapter, which will be compiled into a full working draft in spring 2026. As the working groups undertake their assessment, they may be reaching out to various members of the Rutgers community to seek further information. The Middle States Steering Committee co-chairs also will continue meeting with various constituency groups across Rutgers in order to educate the community about this process and seek feedback.
What comes next?
Deegan: During the summer of 2026, the self-study draft will go through multiple reviews. In fall 2026, members of the Rutgers community will have an opportunity to review a draft and provide feedback. At the end of the fall semester, the draft will be completed and we will prepare for the site team visit in spring 2027.
How can the RU community stay informed about the 2027 Middle States Commission on Higher Education self-study?
Deegan: They can stay up to date on Rutgers-related communication by visiting the website created for the accreditation process. They can also visit the website for Middle States Commission on Higher Education self-study to learn more about the standards.