1. What is Middle States and why is accreditation by Middle States important?

2. What is the purpose of self-study?

3. AU’s self-study is taking a “priorities-based” approach. What does that mean? 

4. Is it possible that AU may lose its accreditation?

5. Will the visiting team make the administration or others take specific actions?

6. How can I contribute to the self-study?

1. What is Middle States and why is accreditation by Middle States important?
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a regional accrediting body that is recognized by the US Department of Education to accredit institutions of higher education. While accreditation by Middle States is voluntary, accreditation is necessary for institutions who want to offer federal financial aid.  Middle States sets high standards for quality that are fair and equitable and can be met by a wide variety of institutions, from small specialty colleges to large public universities. Accreditation by Middle States is affirmation of the quality of AU’s education.

Middle States is a non-governmental membership-based organization, and accreditation is based on peer review. The standards for accreditation were developed and adopted by higher education peers and AU’s re-accreditation will be determined, in large part, by a visiting team made up of faculty and staff from institutions similar to AU.  

In its introduction to the Middle States Standards, the commission says:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation is an expression of confidence in an institution’s mission and goals, its performance, and its resources. An institution is accredited when the educational community has verified that its goals are achieved through self-regulation and peer review. The extent to which each educational institution accepts and fulfills the responsibilities inherent in the process of accreditation is a measure of its commitment to striving for and achieving excellence in its endeavors

2. What is the purpose of self-study?
As part of our re-accreditation process, we conduct a self-study. The primary purpose of self-study is to reflect on how well American University meets the Middle States Standards of accreditation and the Requirements of Affiliation. While demonstrating this compliance, we do so by assessing AU’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. The self-study puts the Middle States standards within the context of our mission and our role in higher education. All institutions are different, and may approach compliance in different ways. 

While the self-study must demonstrate to Middle States that we meet the standards, the report has another purpose, which is to help AU reflect upon our strengths and areas for further focus. 

3. AU’s self-study is taking a “priorities-based” approach. What does that mean? 
Instead of organizing the self-study around the seven Middle States standards, AU is organizing its self-study around the priorities related to its mission, research goals, student learning initiatives, student thriving goals, and its sense of community.  By organizing its work in this manner, the self-study will align with the AU strategic plan. The study questions listed by each subcommittee enables AU to focus on some of the most important issues facing AU and higher education. 

4. Is it possible that AU may lose its accreditation?
AU is a very strong institution and has solid evidence that it meets Middle States standards. It is difficult to lose accreditation. AU will use the re-accreditation process to renew our focus on educational excellence and to identify opportunities to more fully meet its goals. 

5. Will the visiting team make the administration or others take specific actions?
No. Visiting teams focus on the standards for accreditation, and they give institutions leeway in how they approach their work. Middle States does not give specific directives. 

6. How can I contribute to the self-study?
The self-study is now final so no changes will be made at this time. In fall 2023, AU publicized a draft self-study and had opportunities for public comment. Now that the report is complete, you may be one of a select group of people asked to meet with the visiting team. Please look for an announcement of an opportunity to meet with the visiting team in a meeting open to all AU community members.

Moving forward, you can contribute to the self-study by offering suggestions for how to implement the recommendations in the report. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Karen Froslid Jones and Sheila Bedford, the self-study co-chairs, at middlestates@american.edu. They will work with you to find ways that you can contribute.