About Middle States Self-Study

St. John’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Since 1919, this professional organization has been devoted to supporting the pursuit of knowledge, the study and clarification of values and the advancement of the society through accreditation of its institutional members. Middle States’ accreditation is an expression of confidence in an institution’s mission and goals, its performance and its resources.

The Commission periodically reviews its members through on-site evaluations and reports. These periodic reviews are preceded by a self-study process. During the self-study, the institution carefully considers its educational programs and services, with particular attention to student learning and achievement, and it determines how well these programs and services accomplish the institution’s goals, fulfill its mission, and meet the Commission’s standards. 

Under the leadership of a steering committee appointed by the institution, working groups examine existing data and evaluative reports, frequently gather new information, and prepare draft evaluative reports on their assigned topics. The steering committee edits the reports of the various working groups, produces a draft for discussion, and disseminates the final self-study report. A cross-section of the campus community is expected to participate in the self-study process at each stage: in the steering committee, the working groups, and the campus-wide discussions.

For more information on the Middle States Commission and the Self-Study process:

  • St. John's University - January 18, 2005 Self-Study Presentation
  • Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education
    Eligibility  Requirements and Standards for
    Accreditation, Middle States Commission on
    Higher Education, 2002, p. iv.
  • Designs for Excellence: Handbook for Institutional
    Self-Study, Middle States Commission on
    Higher Education, 2002, p.2.