This semester CSI is launching its Middle States Self-Study, part of the College’s ongoing cycle of accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Self-Study is designed to engage the entire College community and will provide an opportunity for CSI to reflect carefully on how we are fulfilling our Mission and goals in alignment with Middle States standards. Through this process, we hope to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in the years ahead.

I have invited English Professor Dr. Christopher Miller and Associate Provost Mel Pipe to co-chair the Self-Study Steering Committee, and Dr. Tara Mastrorilli, Director of Institutional Research, to serve as coordinator. Working closely with me, they will oversee the two-year process that will culminate in a multi-day visit to the campus by a team of peer evaluators in Spring 2022.

The Self-Study Steering Committee will be made up of the faculty and administrator co-chairs of eight Working Groups, each addressing one of the Middle States standards and the requirements for affiliation. Recruitment for the Working Groups is underway; and in Fall 2020, these groups will begin their work in earnest, collecting information and preparing a narrative that documents the College’s work in meeting Middle States standards. 

CSI’s Middle States Liaison, Vice President Idna Corbett, will visit the campus on Tuesday, Mar. 24. There will be an open session with VP Corbett for faculty, staff, and students to find out more about the accreditation process and requirements (time and location TBA).

There will be opportunities for input and feedback, and all members of the College community are encouraged to become involved and learn more about the Self-Study process. Please visit our CSI Middle States Website: www.csi.cuny.edu/middle-states. Those who would like to join a Working Group and/or would like to find out more are invited to contact the Steering Committee co-chairs.

By J. Michael Parrish