Middle States Self-Study 2023

Frostburg State University is periodically required to complete an in-depth self-study in order to be accredited. The self-study demonstrates our institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and is used to strengthen and sustain the institution. It is also an opportunity for FSU to show that we continue to strive to meet our institutional priorities and create a welcoming campus culture. 

FSU has chosen the Standards-Based approach, which will enable Frostburg to systematically confirm its alignment with each of the seven standards of accreditation, with institutional priorities incorporated into each chapter, as appropriate.

Self-Study Timetable, Spring 2025 Visit (Last Updated January 2025)

DATE(S) ACTIVITY/TASK
November 2022 Self-Study Institute
January 2023

Assemble Steering Committee

Remote Meeting w/Commission Staff Liaison

Begin to Draft Self-Study Design (SSD)

February-April 2023

Assemble Work Groups

Submit Draft SSD by April 11

March-April 2023 Commission Staff Liaison Self-Study Prep Visit to Campus
May 2023 SSD Accepted by MSCHE
June-November 2023 Working Groups gather, assemble, and analyze pertinent information and submit working drafts to the Steering Committee. Submit the working draft beginning of November. 
December 1, 2023

Co-Chairs of the Steering Committee return draft #1 with feedback to Working Groups

January-May 2024

Self-Study Evaluation Team Chair Selected

Visit Dates Selected

Accepted SSD Sent to Chair

March 27, 2024

Working Groups submit draft #2 to Steering Committee Co-Chairs who will work on draft March 27-April 19 to prepare for campus review

April 19-May 21, 2024

Draft #3 goes to Writing Team

Writing Team: Edit/One voice for final preliminary draft

April 24, 2024

Campus reviews Self-Study draft

Feedback surveys and focus sessions

May-September 2024

Self-Study Revisions and Campus Review

Data Team ensures consistency for evidence inventory

Verification for Compliance Team compiles artifacts

September-November 2024

Self-Study Report Draft Sent to Team Chair

November 7, 2024

Team Chair's Preliminary Visit

December 2024-January 2025

Self-Study Report Finalized Based on Team Chair Feedback and Shared with Campus

February-March 2025

Final Self-Study Report/Verification of Compliance/Evidence Inventory Uploaded to MSCHE Portal

February-May 2025

Team Report

Institutional Response

March 9-12, 2025

Self-Study Evaluation Team Visit

Peer Evaluator Team On-Site Visit

June-November 2025

Commission Meets to Determine Action

Visits Conducted After April 15 are Acted on by Commission at November Meeting

January 16, 2025

Self-Study Uploaded to MSCHE Portal

 SSD Document 

Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), through accreditation, mandates that its member institutions meet rigorous and comprehensive standards.

Working Groups

Seven Working Groups have been identified - one for each of MSCHE standard - and four Teams: a Writing Team, a Communications/Logistics Team, a Data Team, and a Verification for Compliance Team have been formed. Each Working Group will be guided by two Working Group Co-Chairs and supported by a liaison from the Steering Committee.