SUNY Orange Has its Accreditation Reaffirmed

MIDDLETOWN – The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) fully reaffirmed its accreditation of Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) on June 22, concluding an exceptional self-study by the College that spanned more than two years and wrapped up with a formal on-site review by Middle States evaluators.

At the conclusion of its site visit in April, the MSCHE visiting team provided a glowing verbal report of its findings. In the opinion of the visiting team, SUNY Orange appeared to meet each of MSCHE’s seven accreditation standards, an outcome that was verified during each step of MSCHE’s review of the visiting team report. The team was highly complementary of the College and offered only collegial advice and commendations, and did not issue any requirements (actions that MUST be taken to come into compliance) or recommendations (actions that must be taken to continue to stay in compliance).

The finding of no requirements or recommendations further cements SUNY Orange’s position as an institution meeting the highest standards for academic delivery, student supports and operational efficiency with integrity and excellence.

“Our Self-Study involved many faculty and staff who represented all areas of the College on the Self-Study Steering Committee, participated in working groups investigating the standards, or provided materials and evidence supporting the self-study. Their efforts, whether serving in their regular roles or contributing directly to the self-study, led to this great outcome,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange president. “I am deeply appreciative of our steering committee co-chairs Dr. Michele Iannuzzi-Sucich and Christine Work for adeptly shepherding the College through the process. Dr. Erika Hackman was instrumental as well. Her leadership and understanding of the interconnectedness of our various departments and divisions were invaluable.

“Special thanks also to our Board of Trustees, who were fully engaged throughout this more than two-year process. The College also benefits greatly from the support it receives and the partnerships it has created with the County of Orange and SUNY system.

“It is rare for a college to receive a report in which the visiting team outlines no requirements or recommendations” Young added. “That is a feather in the cap of the College, but more importantly it is a high-level affirmation of the extraordinary things happening at SUNY Orange. It should give our current and future students great confidence that the education we provide, and the services that support that education, are exceptional. But it also speaks to the professionalism of our College community and this institution’s commitment to living its vision, mission and values.”

The reaccreditation is valid for eight years, putting SUNY Orange on track for its next self-study during the 2030-2031 academic year. Since first accredited by Middle States in 1962, SUNY Orange has retained its accreditation intact.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is an institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) that serves as an independent voice in higher education. MSCHE establishes equitable standards for accreditation with member institutions that advance the impact of accreditation in the ever-changing landscape of higher education and promotes educational excellence through innovation across diverse institutions.