The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) has renewed Fitchburg State University’s accreditation through 2022, describing a forward-looking institution, committed to excellence and investing in its facilities and community under the leadership of President Robert V. Antonucci and a committed board of trustees.
In a letter informing President Antonucci of its decision, NEASC Chair Richard L. Pattenaude commended Fitchburg State for a “participatory evaluation process that resulted in a candid, well-written self-study. We note with approval that widespread discussions among the campus community became the basis for the university’s mission statement, vision statement, core values, and the goals and objectives” of the university’s strategic plan.
“With an experienced leadership team, dedicated faculty and staff, and a supportive Board of Trustees, the university is positioned for future success.”–Robert L. Pattenaude, NEASC chairman
“We are gratified to learn that the leadership of the president and his team has led to a renewed pride in and excitement about the institution and that a committed and qualified board of trustees and alumni firmly and enthusiastically support the university,” Pattenaude continued. “We share the judgment of the team that (Fitchburg State) faculty and staff are devoted to students’ needs and success and committed to the vision of the institution as a university.”
Off-campus and distance education programs are also overseen effectively, according to NEASC, and the group congratulated the university on its capital projects including the $57 million science center now under construction.
“With an experienced leadership team, dedicated faculty and staff, and a supportive Board of Trustees, the university is positioned for future success,” Pattenaude wrote.
“The NEASC accreditation review was a thorough and demanding process, in which we incorporated all campus constituencies to take a long, hard look at ourselves, chronicling our strengths as well as areas for improvement,” President Antonucci said. “I am proud that NEASC has awarded us their longest term of accreditation. I also appreciate their recognition of all that we do well, even as the report will guide us as we look to create an even stronger institution.”
The university will submit a five-year interim report in 2017 and NEASC has scheduled Fitchburg State’s next comprehensive evaluation for spring 2022.
The university underwent a comprehensive evaluation visit in March by a team representing NEASC’s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The site visit followed a year and a half of exhaustive self-study by university faculty, administrators, staff and students. The visiting team gathered evidence that the self-study was thorough and accurate.
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 240 institutions in the six-state New England region.
Fitchburg State University has been accredited by the Commission since 1953 and was last reviewed in 2002. Its accreditation by the New England Association encompasses the entire institution.
Pattenaude’s entire letter to President Antonucci can be viewed on the university’s NEASC web page.
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