UMass Amherst NEASC Accreditation Website
Every 10 years, the University of Massachusetts Amherst develops a comprehensive Self-Study as part of its re-accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The Self-Study report was completed and mailed to NEASC on Sept. 18, 2009. It is presented here for review. Use the “2009 Self-Study” link at left to read the entire document, or to see individual chapters.
The Self-Study has been an intensive endeavor involving the entire campus in a process of self-examination aimed at institutional improvement. The document works on two levels: The Self-Study responds to very specific NEASC standards linked to re-accreditation; its content and structure are largely defined by these standards. The Self-Study also appraises University operations in a broader planning context – with a view toward UMass Amherst’s overarching goal of advancing into the top ranks of public research universities nationwide. In this way, the document is a springboard for discussions about how the flagship campus will attain its ambitions, and it dovetails with the Framework for Excellence: The Flagship Report, another campus planning document.
The 2009 Self-Study is a starting point for an external evaluation team, which is assembled by NEASC and is charged with appraising UMass Amherst operations. The re-accreditation process will culminate Nov. 1-4, when the evaluation team visits campus to meet with faculty, staff and students and to gain a firsthand knowledge of the institution.
If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact us by email at accred09@admin.umass.edu. The Self-Study is also available in hard-copy form from the Circulation Desk at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library.
