Do you know your (Accreditation) ABCs?

As Temple prepares for its Middle States reaccreditation, here is some information about how accreditation impacts our community.

A is for Accreditation

Accreditation is a formal process through which colleges and universities are evaluated to ensure they meet established standards of quality, effectiveness, and continuous improvement. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a global accreditor recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

MSCHE accreditation is distinct from programmatic or degree-specific accreditation, which focuses on the quality and rigor of individual academic programs. Together, these forms of accreditation help ensure that students receive a high-quality education, that degrees are recognized by employers and other institutions, and that the university remains accountable to its mission and stakeholders.

Temple’s accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2020. The next self-study and evaluation visit will take place in 2027–2028.

B is for making Temple Better

Temple’s reaccreditation process begins with a self-study, or a rigorous review process to examine how the institution meets MSCHE’s standards of accreditation and fulfills its mission.  The self-study is more than a compliance exercise—it is an opportunity for meaningful reflection and identifying areas of improvement across the institution, from its governance and finances to its academic programs and student support services. By identifying Temple’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth, the self-study serves as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and drives continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and operations.

C is for Collaboration and Communication

The self-study process is led by a steering committee and several work groups made up of students, faculty, staff, and administrators who are tasked with demonstrating how Temple meets MSCHE’s standards in support of the university’s strategic plan and institutional priorities. The self-study process promotes collaboration and communication by bringing together representatives from all areas of the university to reflect on our shared goals and outcomes. Work groups are responsible for gathering evidence to support each standard in the form of internal and external communications, policies, web publications, and other documentation. This cross-campus engagement fosters transparency, breaks down silos, and builds a shared understanding of how each unit contributes to the university’s mission and overall success.

As you will see in the timeline for reaccreditation, there will be opportunities for the wider university community to share feedback and on the self-study and to participate in the evaluation visit itself.