Making memorable moments: A first look at the accreditation process at Rowan U. 

by Emily Nicole Smolski

Every eight years, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reviews and reaffirms Rowan University’s collegiate accreditation. Our accreditation is necessary to showcase Rowan’s dedication to its mission to educate, advance knowledge and serve society. To find out more about MSCHE and the self-study process, I interviewed Vice President for Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer Dr. Roberta Harvey, who serves on the steering committee and helps guide the self-study and accreditation process.

So, what exactly are MSCHE and the self-study? Basically, the self-study is a way for the University to reflect on its progress and commitment to education. Required by the MSCHE, a self-study is a 12 to 18-month research project by members of the University community that evaluates the programs, initiatives, strengths, and opportunities facing the University. The self-study report is drafted approximately six months before MSCHE sends an evaluation team for on-campus visits. For Rowan, this means the self-study will be released in early October 2018 and revised for final submission in January 2019, and a visit from the evaluation team will follow in March 2019.

Various representatives and leaders from Rowan write the self-study report. This includes members of the steering committee, such as Dr. Harvey, Professor Subash Jonnalagadda, and Director of Assessment Jeff Bonfield. In addition, working groups focused on areas such as “student life programs,” “fiscal management and stewardship” and “student services” contribute sections of the report that highlight developments. The report is roughly 100 pages long and is shared with the Rowan community at the beginning of October 2018 to elicit feedback.

But the self-study is more than just a report that is required for accreditation, it is an opportunity for us to collectively reflect on our progress as an institution and the opportunities we have for growth. Think of it as a snapshot of our University that helps us evaluate our successes and areas for improvement. The snapshot is saved for future generations of Rowan community members, so they can look back and see how we have changed. As Dr. Harvey reflected, “We have been accredited by Middle States since 1958.  I have in my office much of the archive, with documents going back as far as the 1970's.  I can literally put my hands on decades of reports written by my predecessors.” With each self-study, we get an invaluable new snapshot, and as the 1999 self-study added, “Rowan University is different since the last Middle States review.  As we look back at what has been achieved in the last ten years, we are struck by the enormity of it all."

Dr. Harvey’s involvement with Middle States started with that 1999 report, when she volunteered to contribute to the reflection on new technological elements of Rowan including its first website in 1995 and first smart-classrooms in 1996.  Since then, she contributed to two periodic review reports (required in between assessment periods) and now serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer. However, she reflects that the most memorable moments in her years of service include when the University is officially informed of its re-accreditation. She reflects, “Every time the University receives its official letter of reaffirmation of accreditation following a review is a memorable moment.  We are proud to be an institution of high quality and are gratified when we are recognized as such by our peer institutions.”

For readers looking to become involved in the self-study report or the accreditation process, a few upcoming events may be of interest. The University will host three round table discussions where students, faculty, and staff are asked to provide feedback on key areas of the self-study report. Participants can meet with members of the steering committee, working groups, and leadership to discuss the report.

Oct. 12 | 2:00 – 3:30 Chamberlain Student Center Room 144

Oct. 17 | 12:30 – 2:00 Business Hall Room 104

Oct. 24 | 5:00 – 6:30 Chamberlain Student Center – Room 221

A review of the report will also take place during the October 26, 2018 University Senate meeting at 2pm.

Finally, readers can check back to the accreditation website for more information about upcoming events, new blog posts, and announcements about the accreditation status.

What Comes Next? A Look at What to Expect during the Accreditation Process

Emily Smolski

     Preparing for a Middle States accreditation review takes years and involves many people in the process. Although an evaluation team visit is often viewed as the pinnacle of the accreditation process, a team is formed several months prior to help steer, develop, and plan the tasks associated with the Middle States review. Rowan’s visit from the accreditation team will take place in Spring 2019, but the accreditation core committee formed two years before to start organizing working groups and designing the self-study process. Over the past two weeks, you’ve heard a lot about the self-study report and hopefully have had a chance to review at least part of the document. You may be wondering: what comes next? Or, what can I expect from the steering committee?

Already in action: Self-Study round table discussions

     Starting on Friday October 12, members of the Rowan community met to discuss and provide feedback on the first draft of the self-study report. A group of 18 faculty and staff members met with Provost Jim Newell and shared their interpretations of the self-study report. The conversation focused on two main points: first, a reflection on the self-study as a “different type” of report that addresses University strategy and ambition, not just a summary of past accomplishments. Rowan used the self-study as an opportunity to address how the University’s inclusive, agile, and responsive mission can be translated to various programs, initiatives, and plans. For example, the self-study reflects on the University’s relatively recent partnerships with Rowan College of Gloucester County (RCGC) and Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC) to provide affordable pathways for education and respond to growing needs for access in higher education.

     Second, participants discussed the need to form a sense of collective identity that can be shared both internally and outside of the Rowan community. Participants reflected that many Universities, particularly those outside the region, are still getting to know Rowan. This is an opportunity for the school is to shape and cultivate a reputation that fits the needs of the community and demonstrates Rowan’s willingness to take calculated risks to meet contemporary needs.

     There is still time to get involved in future round table discussions. All community members are welcome to attend the final round table:

• 24 | 5:00 – 6:30 Chamberlain Student Center Room 221

Upcoming: Digital timeline and infographic of the accreditation process

     Working with Rowan’s Ad Dynamics advertising agency, advertising students are busy creating an interactive timeline and infographic that will visually document achievements and important moments from the process. Both graphics will be available via Rowan’s accreditation website.

     Our next blog post will take a deeper look at the University’s mission statement and how various campus members adopt and practice “inclusive, agile, and responsive” education. If you would like to be involved in the blog, please email Emily Smolski at smolskie5@students.rowan.edu.