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NEASC Accreditation

Smith student writing in a crowded classroom

Smith College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Smith has been accredited by this organization since 1929 and undergoes a full reaccreditation review every 10 years and an interim review every five years. In 2012, the college submitted its five-year report to NEASC and received formal notice of continuation of accreditation in February 2013. The college's next reaccreditation review takes place in fall 2017 and includes the preparation of a report detailing compliance with a series of nine standards.

Smith College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit October 29–November 1, 2017, by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

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.

Smith College has been accredited by the commission since 1929 and was last reviewed in 2007. Its accreditation by the New England Association encompasses the entire institution.

For the past year and a half, Smith College has been engaged in a process of self- study, addressing the commission’s Standards for Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the institution. Following a review process, the commission itself will take the final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution to:

Public Comment on Smith College
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803-4514
E-mail: cihe@neasc.org

Public comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. The commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators or members of other groups. Comments will not be treated as confidential and must include the name, address and telephone number of the person providing the comments.

Self-Study Documents

Standards for Accreditation (Effective July 1, 2016)

 

2017 Self-Study (secure content Smith College log-in required)