Buffalo State’s Accreditation Is Reaffirmed by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Buffalo State University has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The reaffirmation was received in June 2023, following a site visit in Buffalo and five additional visits to Buffalo State’s International Graduate Programs for Educators (IGPE) locations in Brazil, Colombia, and Qatar.

“The successful outcome is a testament to your collective efforts as an institution, which reflects positively not only on Buffalo State but also on each individual involved with this endeavor,” said Buffalo State Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D.

Buffalo State successfully met MSCHE’s seven standards for accreditation and requirements of affiliation, as well as verification of compliance with accreditation-relevant federal regulations.

“It was a pleasure to work with our faculty, staff, and international partners who rallied to make the six MSCHE visits successful,” said Kim M. Barron, Buffalo State assistant vice president for institutional effectiveness and planning and MSCHE accreditation liaison officer. “The Middle States reviewers recognized Buffalo State’s deep commitment to our students and our campus community.”

The MSCHE team report (PDF, 400 KB) included recognition of the following accomplishments:

• “The team commends the institution for adhering to its mission as a diverse and inclusive campus.”
• “The team commends Buffalo State on implementation of student systems, dedication to student success, and aligning resources to mission.”
• “Buffalo State University prepared a clear and concise self-study that was well-written and well-organized. It enabled the team to develop a good understanding of the strengths of the institution, the challenges it faces, and its priorities for the future. The site visit went very smoothly.… The discussions at all of our meetings were substantive and informative. Buffalo State was exceptionally responsive and responded immediately to any and all requests.”
• On additional IGPE locations: “[Buffalo State] seems to have found a unique relationship with the schools in this program. The program is very hands on, supportive, and engaged with students.”

“I was proud to see our community come together to highlight the many ways in which Buffalo State serves its students and its mission,” said James Mayrose, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The quality and quantity of work each member of the faculty and staff performs on a daily basis was evident during the preparation of the self-study report (PDF, 20 MB) and during the site visits.”

Buffalo State Council Chair Linda Dobmeier said, “The commendations included in the Middle States report—praising Buffalo State for its commitment to students and focus on positioning them for success, as well as recognizing Buffalo State’s commitment to diversity and inclusion—exemplify what makes this university a special place.”

Kimberly Kline, 2022–2023 chair of the Buffalo State College Senate, added, “Part of the self-study design required us to cast a wide net for volunteers. Approximately 95 faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate students gave their time and energy from day one. This entire group of volunteers remained steadfast until the self-study draft was complete. I was so proud to be a member of the Buffalo State community through this process.”

A supplemental information report from Buffalo State is due in September 2024, which will provide additional information related to improving key indicators of student success and periodic assessments of student support programs. Buffalo State’s midpoint review is scheduled for 2027, and the next self-study evaluation will take place in 2030–2031.

Media Contact:

Geoff Nason, Director of Communications and Content Strategy
Marketing and Communications Office
Buffalo State University
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Office: (716) 878-3517
Cell: (716) 228-2712