Recently this year, the University of Massachusetts Boston has been reaccredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) for another ten years.
Over the period of more than a year, a NEASC committee has visited the campus and reviewed the qualities of UMass Boston.
According to the official letter by the NEASC, the committee found proof that the university is in compliance with all of their pre-determined standards.
In many aspects, the commission congratulated UMass Boston to its progress since their last visit ten years ago. The Association praised UMass Boston’s strengths, especially its extensive general education program, an expanded distance education program, and the great variety of “University-community partnerships.”
Furthermore, the NEASC also noted the importance of UMass Boston’s diverse faculty and training of teaching assistants. Another factor that determined the reaccreditation for UMass were the graduation rate and the various programs that help students succeed.
In addition, the committee approved the financial management processes which achieved “positive operating results”. Healey Library was also mentioned in the context of providing a great number of services and resources for students.
However, the NEASC also offered some constructive criticism and called for improvement in some areas, such as the IT infrastructure.
Another point that the committee provided advice on was that some plans for the future of UMass Boston might seem difficult to achieve because they rely heavily on an increase in revenue. The committee also recommended different management groups on campus to work together in order to be better able to realize the proposals of increasing staff and purchasing better technological systems.
According to the official statement by the NEASC, the next evaluation and review is scheduled to take place in Spring 2025.
In an official statement, Chancellor J. Keith Motley welcomed the NEASC decision and stated that UMass Boston will thoroughly look at the committee suggestions for improvement. Chancellor Motley said that Provost Winston Langley and Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ellen O’Connor are already in the stages of setting up the proposed group in order to better coordinate budget, strategic, enrollment, and academic planning.
Chancellor Motley also expressed his gratitude towards all staff and faculty members, as well as students, who have prepared the university for the NEASC’s review.
The acknowledgement by NEASC is important for the future of UMass Boston said Chancellor Motley. “Continued accreditation reminds the rest of the world that the University of Massachusetts Boston is in good standing among institutions of higher education.”
“We must not rest in our mission to offer public higher education until it is equal to the best,” said Chancellor Motley.