Middle States Accreditation

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It serves as a mechanism for quality assurance and accountability in higher education. MSCHE is the association that provides federal-level accreditation for Niagara County Community College. 

The Middle States Self-Study is an essential component of MSCHE Accreditation. It provides the College an opportunity to demonstrate how we meet standards that have been established as “Characteristics of Excellence”. These Standards were established by MSCHE with substantial input from stake holders. It is important to note that while the MSCHE Standards do require that specific criteria are met, how these criteria are met is not prescriptive in nature. It is our job to demonstrate that we meet these criteria in a way that is effective for NCCC. The self-study cycle occurs every eight years. 

To optimize the impact of our self-study we must focus on the following concepts: 

• Reflective Practice – Institutions are expected to conduct a thorough and honest self-examination of their own operations, educational programs, and adherence to accreditation standards. 
• Innovation and Improvement – The self-study process is an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate their commitment to ongoing improvement and the enhancement of educational quality. 
• Campus Engagement– Campus participation is encouraged and expected. This includes input from faculty, staff, administrators, and students to ensure that a broad cross-section of the institution contributes to the self-study process. 

During the 2022/2023 academic year the College developed a Self-Study Design that was subsequently approved by our liaison to the MSCHE. Within this plan, we have established priorities, intended outcomes, and specific lines of inquiry. Please consult the Self-Study Design for details on each of these items and the means in which we will be addressing them. 

Drafts of the chapters addressing the 7 Standards can be accessed here for the SUNYNiagara for those within the SUNYNiagara organization : Middle States Feedback