Stockton University received notice its accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) following an intensive review of its programs.
The visiting evaluation team, comprised of representatives of peer institutions, issued a report praising Stockton for its commitment to student success and successfully implementing “high-impact practices to develop students’ critical thinking skills and social consciousness.”
Accreditation by MSCHE is for an eight-year term. It was granted by the association this summer following completion of the regular reaccreditation process, which includes Stockton’s self-study report and Middle States’ comprehensive evaluation. The process included a virtual visit by a MSCHE evaluation team. The next scheduled review will be in 2029-30.
“We are delighted to receive this exceptional affirmation of the quality education and environment we have cultivated over Stockton’s 50 years,” said Robert Heinrich, vice president for Enrollment Management and co-chair of Stockton’s 2021-22 Middle States Self-Study Team.
“The designation demonstrates the university is meeting its mission and achieving its goals and performance standards as we wrap up the celebration of our 50th anniversary of teaching and look toward our next 50 years,” he added.
The report commended Stockton for fostering a climate of respect among students, faculty, staff and administration from a range of diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives. Specifically, it cited the university for its “efforts to expand the diversity and inclusion practices of its student body, especially those of gender, race, and ethnicity.”
Examples include the Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, Los Latinos Unidos student organization, Stockton Voices social media campaign, and the Multicultural Center under construction.
“The reaffirmation of our accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, as well as our high rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review, support what we already know,” Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said. “Stockton is a leading institution to live, work and learn. We are delivering on the promise to make a Stockton degree more valuable every day.”
The university’s commitment to student success, including the numerous academic and individual support services available to students, were also highlighted.