SMC Self-Study: Third Party Comments

Saint Michael's College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit March 12-15, 2000, by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is one of eight accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 200 institutions in the six-state New England region.

Saint Michael's College was last accredited by the Commission in 1990. Its accreditation by the New England Association encompasses the entire institution.

Saint Michael's College is engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Commission's Standards for Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the Commission a continuing status for the institution; following a review process, the Commission itself will take the final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution to:

Public Comment on Saint Michael's College
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
209 Burlington Road
Bedford, MA 01730-1433
e-mail: cihe@neasc.org

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

Written, signed comments must be received by March 15, 2000. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after that due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments.

The Commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators, or members of other groups. Individuals considering submitting complaints against an affiliated institution should request the separate Policy and Procedures for the Consideration of Complaints Made Against Affiliated Institutions from the Commission office.

Comments received by the Commission are acknowledged in writing upon receipt. Comments are reviewed by the Director of the Commission and may be forwarded to the institution should they be deemed within the scope of the Commission policy. The institution must provide a response to any forwarded comments within one month of their receipt. Comments and responses are then referred to the Commission for consideration as a part of its review of the comprehensive evaluation of the institution.