New England Association of Schools and Colleges - CIHE

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is the non-governmental, regionally accrediting body for the six states that constitute New England: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Founded in 1885, the association is the oldest regionally accrediting body in the US, and through one of their 6 commissions, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE), accredits degree-granting colleges and universities. The commission also accredits institutions in 8 foreign countries ranging from Bermuda to Bulgaria.

The commission is recognized by the US Secretary of Education as a trusted and reliable accrediting authority. The commission is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as it meets the council's strict expectations of quality, improvement, and accountability.

The goals of the commission are twofold. The commission strives to assure students of its accredited institutions of a quality education that meets the high standards set by the commission. At the same time, the commission tries to encourage and assist in the improvement, effectiveness, and excellence of all its affiliated institutions through the assessment and accreditation process. Most broadly, the commission requires its accredited institutions to set a clearly defined and appropriate purpose, have the resources and organization to achieve the purpose, and show current evidence of the purpose being achieved. The commission publishes its standards in length and detail on their website for the public to view at anytime.

The commission takes several measures to ensure that its accredited institutions are meeting and maintaining the standards that it has set. In accordance with the commission's policy of periodic review, accredited institutions must undergo a comprehensive evaluation every 10 years. Newly accredited institutions must undergo such an evaluation every 5 years. An extensive voluntary panel of experts of various fields conducts the reviews. Accredited institutions are also subject to internal review through mandated reports.

In summary, the commission is a trusted, and the oldest, authority on accreditation for degree granting colleges and universities in the territory of New England, and several overseas institutions. The commission requires its accredited colleges and universities to maintain elevated standards characteristic of the best and leading higher education institutions in the nation.

New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Article References

NEASC CIHE Official Website
http://cihe.neasc.org/

NEASC Official Website
http://www.neasc.org/

CHEA Official Website
http://www.chea.org/default.asp

US Department of State
http://usinfo.state.gov/infousa/education/overview/accreditation.html