2023 NECHE Reaccreditation: A Positive Affirmation
New England Commission of Higher Education commends Emmanuel’s dynamic student experience and culture of care
In Spring 2023, following a comprehensive, once-per-decade evaluation, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) continued Emmanuel College in accreditation.
“Emmanuel College is well positioned to continue to ‘educate students in a dynamic learning community rooted in the liberal arts and sciences’ well into the future,” NECHE stated, quoting a line from Emmanuel’s mission statement.
In communicating its decision, NECHE noted that no additional reports will be required of Emmanuel before its standard interim report in 2027 — a result that reflects positively on the College’s accomplishments in recent years, its momentum toward the future, and the care and professionalism that the Emmanuel community devoted to the assessment process itself.
“This outcome affirms the vibrancy of Emmanuel’s Catholic educational mission, as well as our signature ability to anticipate and respond to evolving needs among students and a broad range of professions,” said President Mary K. Boyd, Ph.D.
NECHE’s decision followed a three-day, on-site evaluation of the College by a team of eight higher education professionals. In its exit meeting, the Visiting Team remarked favorably on the College’s pervasive “ethic of care,” which places students at the center and cultivates a climate of mutual respect among all members of the community. In addition, Visiting Team members commented on the profound role that Emmanuel faculty and staff play in mentoring and preparing students for rewarding lives marked by principled leadership and service to others.
Emmanuel began preparing for its 10-year NECHE accreditation review in 2020. The two-year-long process engaged individuals from across the campus community in thoughtful analysis and assessment, culminating in a 100-page Self Study document. Leading the initiative was the College’s NECHE Steering Committee, co-chaired by Cindy O’Callaghan, Dean of Academic Administration, and Beth Ross, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Chief Data Officer.