Reaccreditation and Self-study

Background and Context

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a voluntary, nongovernmental, peer-based membership association dedicated to promoting standards of excellence and improvement in higher education. The university has been continuously accredited by Middle States since 1921. Every 10 years, the university engages in a reaccreditation process. This decennial evaluation consists of an extensive institutional self-study process that produces a written self-study report. The report and MSCHE’s accreditation standards will serve as the basis for on-site evaluation by a team of peer evaluators in 2014.

Overview of the Decennial Self-study Process

The decennial evaluation consists of an extensive institutional self-study process that produces a written self-study report. This report and MSCHE’s 14 accreditation standards serve as the basis for the eventual on-site evaluation by a team of peer evaluators in Spring 2014. During self-study, the university is expected to thoughtfully consider its educational programs and services, with particular attention to student learning and achievement, and to determine how well these programs and services accomplish the institution’s goals, fulfill its mission, and meet MSCHE’s 14 standards. The primary purpose of the self-study report is to advance institutional self-understanding and self-improvement.

Intended Outcomes of the Self-study

The self-study process will provide Johns Hopkins a meaningful opportunity to take stock of our existing goals, how well we are achieving them, what we have learned through increasingly routine assessment of institutional effectiveness, and how all of that data are informing our institutional planning efforts. By taking a thoughtful look at itself, Johns Hopkins will be better able to position itself for the 21st century. Intended outcomes include:

  • Engaging the Johns Hopkins community in substantive conversations about the university
  • Creating a more cohesive and seamless educational environment for all students
  • Reinforcing ongoing school-based self-examination processes across the university
  • Identifying common themes and creating opportunities to strengthen the whole
  • Ensuring Johns Hopkins remains a place of innovation and prominence in Ph.D. education
  • Promoting pedagogical innovation to ensure effective teaching and learning in gateway sciences