Self-Study 2028      

West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is one of six regional 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 Preparation Visit
  • Fall 2028 - Site-Team Visit

 

  • 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.

MSCHE Contact Information

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801
  • 267-284-5011