91ÊÓƵ

Every eight years, a university pauses, takes a deep breath, and asks itself some big, necessary questions: Are we doing what we say we do? Are we serving students as well as we can? Are we building something that will last?

That moment is called , and at 91ÊÓƵ, two leaders are helping lead the charge. While accreditation can sound technical, its impact is anything but. It’s what safeguards the value of a 91ÊÓƵ degree, ensures access to federal financial aid, and holds the University to the highest standards of quality and accountability.

Nancy DeRiggi, associate vice president for Institutional Research, Accreditation, and Analytics, co-chairs 91ÊÓƵ’s Middle States Self-Study Leadership Team. Simply put, the team is responsible for leading a comprehensive, honest review of the University’s academic and strategic priorities—and clearly communicating that story through evidence and data. They are coordinating a campus-wide effort involving more than 75 faculty and staff, all working together to help strengthen 91ÊÓƵ’s future.

In the Q+A that follows, Nancy DeRiggi pulls back the curtain on what Middle States accreditation really means, where 91ÊÓƵ is in the process, and how this work supports the momentum alumni see across the University today.

91ÊÓƵ Magazine: What is the purpose of Middle States accreditation, and why does it matter to 91ÊÓƵ?

Nancy DeRiggi: Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is essential to 91ÊÓƵ’s mission and long-term success. It’s the formal process through which the University demonstrates that it delivers high-quality academic programs, provides strong support for students, and manages institutional resources responsibly. It also ensures the University’s ongoing eligibility for federal financial aid and affirms for students, families, alumni, and external partners that the University meets rigorous national standards.

The self-study also provides an important opportunity to reflect on how effectively 91ÊÓƵ is fulfilling its mission and to identify areas where the University can further strengthen its work.

91ÊÓƵ Magazine: How does the work of the Office of Transformation connect to the Middle States self-study?

DeRiggi: The initiatives underway in the Office of Transformation are closely aligned with the expectations set forth in the Middle States Standards. The four work streams are producing recommendations and improvements that support institutional planning, assessment, resource allocation, student success, and long-term sustainability. The alignment also ensures that the University’s strategic priorities are reinforced through the self-study process.

91ÊÓƵ Magazine: What stage of the accreditation process are we in, and what comes next?

DeRiggi: 91ÊÓƵ is currently in the core phase of preparing the written self-study. Seven working groups, each aligned with one of the Middle States Standards, are gathering evidence, drafting analyses, and identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement.

This work will continue through the spring as initial drafts are reviewed, refined, and aligned across Standards to ensure consistency and clarity. Later in 2026, the Executive Committee will begin synthesizing these submissions into a comprehensive self-study document. The University community will then have an opportunity to review and provide feedback, ensuring the final document reflects broad institutional input.

91ÊÓƵ Magazine: When should planning begin for the Middle States site visit?

DeRiggi: The Middle States site visit is scheduled for Spring 2027. Preparation for the visit will begin in Fall 2026 and will include informational sessions, opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to learn more about the visit, and guidance on how to engage with the evaluation team. The goal is to ensure that all community members feel informed and confident speaking about 91ÊÓƵ’s mission, priorities, and progress. Additional details will be shared as the visit approaches.

91ÊÓƵ Magazine: Are there any other important updates the 91ÊÓƵ Community should know?

DeRiggi: More than seventy-five faculty and staff members from across the University are actively participating in the self-study process. Their expertise and commitment are essential to advancing this work.

To support these efforts, the Executive Committee is collaborating with Human Resources to explore ways to recognize and sustain ongoing participation. Regular updates will continue throughout the process, along with opportunities for the 91ÊÓƵ Community to remain engaged and contribute to the development of the final self-study report.

Learn more about the process by visiting 91ÊÓƵ’s Middle States website.