Middle States Visit to HCCC 
May 20, 2009
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education conducted a three-day visit to Herkimer County Community College this spring to assess a comprehensive self-study completed by the College. A final report is due mid-summer from the Middle States Commission.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the Middle States region, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several locations internationally. The Commission is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources. It examines each institution as a whole, rather than specific programs within institutions.
Member colleges undergo accreditation by the Commission every 10 years. The process consists of an institutional self-study, an evaluation team three-day visit and a follow up report consisting of recommendations and requirements to the Commission regarding accreditation status.
In the team’s report to the Commission, the team commended the institution on its committed and dedicated faculty, staff and administration, the strong and appropriately focused board participation and the appropriate emphasis on collaboration and participatory management brought about under the leadership of the new president, Dr. Ann Marie Murray. The report found compliance with most of the 14 standards, but cited additional work needed on a forthcoming strategic plan and expansion of its ongoing assessment activities across all units of the campus.
According to President Murray, “The team’s report is consistent with our understanding of the needs of the College and matches the direction that we have set out since I first arrived. I am pleased that the committee recognized our outstanding faculty and staff. I look forward to creating a strategic plan that will chart the future course of the College and will include campus wide assessment activities required by the Commission.”
The College’s self-study was completed by a steering committee made up of 10 faculty and staff and chaired by Professor Mary Jo Kelley.