The results of discussions during these events will produce further revisions of the self-study document. It is anticipated that the final document will be forwarded to the visiting team by February, 2001. Accreditation is a means of self-regulation and peer review adopted by the educational community. The accrediting process is intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence. The extent to which each educational institution accepts and fulfills the responsibilities inherent in this process is a measure of its concern for freedom and quality in higher education and of its commitment to strive for and achieve excellence in its endeavors.
Accreditation is a voluntary process.
Institutions choose to apply for accredited status. Once accredited, they agree to abide by the standards of their accrediting organization and to regulate themselves by taking responsibility for their own improvement. In the Middle States region, accreditation is an expression of the confidence of the Commission on Higher Education in an institution's mission and goals, its performance, and its resources. From Middle States Commission on Higher Education website.