UMass Dartmouth accreditation self-study and reports

: In the United States, accreditation is the primary process for assuring and improving the quality of higher education institutions. Accreditation of nearly 3,000 colleges and universities is carried out through a process known as ‘regional accreditation’: seven commissions operate in six geographic regions of the country through nongovernmental, non-profit voluntary associations. Accreditation is a self-regulatory, peer review process based on rigorous standards. Colleges and universities are judged based on self-evaluations analyzing how well they meet these standards, in light of their mission. Following a review by a team of peers, accrediting commissions determine the accreditation status of the institution and use a variety of means to ensure follow-up as appropriate and further evaluation in the case of substantive change on the part of the institution. UMass Dartmouth has accredited on a regular basis since 1964 by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Prior to the visit by the Commission on Higher Education of NEASC, the campus undergoes a process of self-study to address the Commission’s standards. Additionally, several academic programs undergo their own accreditation, including the College of Visual and Preforming Arts (CVPA), the Charlton College of Business (CCB), and the College of Nursing.