Pen to Paper

Bringing Our Best to Light By John Andelfinger Director of Institutional Assessment & Accreditation and Co-Chair of the Middle States Steering Committee

Every eight years, Holy Family University reaffirms institutional accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Holy Family is one of over 500 institutions accredited by MSCHE in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey,

New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and other locations abroad. MSCHE verifies that accredited institutions follow guidelines and meet expectations designed by the US Department of Education as well as its own policies.

I started at Holy Family in 2018, which coincided with the start of our self-study journey, and I am pleased to be a part of this important project and learn so much about the University. The self-study allows the Holy Family University community to pause and reflect on our strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and challenges that face our institution. It is a time to acknowledge what we do well and identify what we can do better, while simultaneously looking forward with hope and intentionality. During the self-study, institutions are tasked with examining and reporting on seven key standards, including Mission and Goals, Ethics and Integrity, Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience, Support of the Student Experience, Educational Effectiveness Assessment, Planning Resources and Institutional Improvement, and Governance, Leadership, and Administration. Now, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Middle States Steering Committee, which includes Holy Family faculty, students, alumni, and staff, is working to finish our narrative manuscript and other documentation for MSCHE. While so much is changing all around us, I look forward to spring of 2021, when members of other MSCHE institutions will review our selfstudy document and conduct an on-campus evaluation visit. I believe our work will bring to light the myriad ways Holy Family University continues to adapt and create opportunities for educational, professional, and personal growth for our students. Visit holyfamily.edu/msche to learn more and follow our progress.