The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed the accreditation of Buffalo State College. The accreditation, in effect through 2013, was issued with commendation.

"We are delighted by our affirmative Middle States evaluation, and very proud of the commendation. It is most reinforcing to have our campus and our academic programs reflected back to us by peer evaluators in such glowing terms. Our faculty, staff and students worked very hard to achieve this outcome, and we could not be more pleased," said Muriel A. Howard, Ph.D., president of Buffalo State College.

The accreditation is the result of an in-depth self-study and an on-campus peer evaluation. In addition to providing a broad overview of the institution, the self-study selected six topics on which to focus: (1) programs and services for first-year students; (2) programs and services for commuter students; (3) distinctive and pivotal undergraduate educational experiences; (4) creating an intellectually vital environment for graduate students; (5) course scheduling and availability; and (6) recognizing student and faculty success in the teaching and learning process. The peer-review team also reviewed the college?s draft strategic plan and student assessment protocols.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education was established in 1919. It is a voluntary, nongovernmental, peer-based membership association dedicated to educational excellence and improvement through peer evaluation and accreditation. As a recognized leader in promoting and ensuring quality and improvement in higher education, the commission defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence and responds creatively to a diverse, dynamic, global higher education community that is continually evolving.

The Commission on Higher Education is the unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools that examines the institution as a whole, rather than specific programs within the institution.

Members are located in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other locations overseas.

The Commission supports its members in their quest for excellence and provides assurance to the general public that accredited member institutions meet its standards. The Commission achieves its purposes through assessment, peer evaluation, consultation, information gathering and sharing, cooperation and appropriate educational activities. The Commission is committed to the principles of cooperation, flexibility, openness, and responsiveness to the needs of society and the higher education community.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education consists of 24 members who are elected by the colleges and universities that are members of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Institutions are evaluated for accreditation or re-accreditation by a team of evaluators from similar colleges and universities, who usually have expertise in the specific areas that will be the focus of an institution's evaluation. Evaluators typically are selected from within the region, but sometimes it is necessary to seek expertise from outside the region. These teams of volunteers conduct site visits and perform other tasks, such as reading reports and making special visits.