UVI Self-Study Overview
The University of the Virgin Islands is one of many institutions accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE requires that these institutions meet rigorous and comprehensive standards
to remain accredited. Continue reading to learn more about this process.
What is UVI Self-Study?
Accreditation by MSCHE is an indication of the the Commission's confidence that an
institution has appropriate mission and goals, and has acceptable performance and
resource levels. To maintain accreditation, MSCHE requires that these institutions
meet rigorous and comprehensive standards according to the mission and vision that
are self-identified. The Self-Study process gives UVI the opportunity to provide a
broad array of data verifying that it has met MSCHE standards, functioning with ethics and integrity in setting and meeting its mission and goals
for student achievement.
Why the UVI Self-Study?
The 2025-2026 Self-Study is a comprehensive review of UVI’s performance over the last
ten (10) years in meeting the criteria of the seven (7) MSCHE Standards of Accreditation.
In June 2017 MSCHE reaffirmed UVI’s accreditation. In the years since then UVI provided
annual institutional updates to the Commission to demonstrate continuous assessment
of the strategic goals identified to meet the Institution’s mission and vision. Beginning
in 2023, UVI began the organizational process to prepare for the decennial review
that would result in the 2026 Self-Study report. The report will assess the Institution’s
performance in alignment with the 2018 Strategic Plan, mission and vision, and with institutional priorities and intended outcomes identified
for the Self-Study.
The following topics define the objectives and organizational framework established
to drive the comprehensive Institutional review over the next three years.
UVI's administrative leadership examined the institutional goals and objectives
to identify four that are most achievable and relevant for assessment in the Self-Study
process. The selected goals/objectives were further reviewed by the Steering Committee
and town-halls, and are described on the
Institutional Priorities page.
UVI documents the expected achievements of the Self-Study in the Intended Outcomes.
Using evidence from institutional assessments and analyses of data, the final report
will show that UVI meets the requirements for MSCHE accreditation. See the
Intended Outcomes page for more information.
The Steering Committee provides leadership to ensure that the Working Groups
address the MSCHE directives appropriately. The Committee is comprised of the Accreditation
Liaison Officer (ALO) and two Co-Chairs appointed by the President, along with the
Co-Chairs of the Working Groups. See the
Steering Committee link for more information.
Members of the Working Groups were recruited from all University departments
and the overall UVI student body. Each Working Group receives a general charge and
specific charge related to the assigned MSCHE Standard. See the
Working Groups link for more information.
The Self-Study Timeline includes upcoming events and plans for communicating
the UVI constituents. There will be many opportunities for the Leadership Team to
explain the self-study process and to elicit feedback and input from the UVI community
at large. See the
Self-Study Timeline page for upcoming events.
The Self-Study Design documents the framework and guidelines for the self-study
process. The MSCHE topics and questions which will be addressed are described and
explained in the
Self-Study Design document.
