In early 2023, Rensselaer embarked on a comprehensive self-study process for institutional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This process is a critical opportunity to reflect on our mission, evaluate our strengths, and demonstrate our commitment to excellence.
Key Highlights of the Self-Study Process:
- Purpose:
- Evaluate Rensselaer’s mission and institutional effectiveness.
- Gather evidence to demonstrate compliance with—or exceeding of—MSCHE’s rigorous standards.
- Conduct a holistic review of the entire institution, unlike program-specific accreditations.
- Importance of Accreditation:
- Rensselaer has been accredited by MSCHE since 1927, with the most recent reaffirmation in 2016.
- Accreditation ensures eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants and loans, for our students.
- Rensselaer is one of 517 institutions accredited by MSCHE.
- Process and Timeline:
- Seven working groups, comprising ~80 students, faculty, and staff, were formed in early 2023 to gather evidence and draft reports.
- Campus-wide feedback was collected during the summer of 2024 to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
- A final team visit by MSCHE reviewers is scheduled for April 6–9, 2025.
- Preliminary Visit:
- Held on October 17, 2024, led by Dr. Teik C. Lim (President, NJIT) and Dr. Eugene Deess (Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness).
- Engaged with Rensselaer’s Board of Trustees, senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
- Leadership:
- Co-led by Dr. Emily Liu, Professor and Department Head of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Dr. Mohua Bose, Associate Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning.
- Special recognition to Dr. Keith Moo-Young, Former Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, for his contributions as past co-chair.
- Access the Full Report:
- The full Self-Study Report is available for viewing and download here.
For more information, please contact:
- Dr. Emily Liu: liue@rpi.edu
- Dr. Mohua Bose: bosem@rpi.edu