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 |
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.
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.