Preparations for Middle States Reaffirmation of Accreditation

By Office of the President | Feb 25, 2025

Institutional accreditation is essential to Downstate’s ability to provide students with financial aid, secure research funding, and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence. Downstate maintains accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Middle States) as part of this commitment, ensuring compliance with its rigorous academic and institutional Standards. Our accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2016 for eight years. The next crucial phase of the reaccreditation process will occur on April 6-9, 2025, when a Middle States-appointed site visit team conducts a comprehensive on-campus evaluation.

This on-site evaluation marks a critical milestone in Downstate’s reaccreditation process. A team of experienced faculty and administrators from peer institutions will thoroughly review Downstate’s adherence to the Middle State’s Standards for Accreditation, examining key areas such as governance, academic programs, student support services, and institutional effectiveness. Their findings will be instrumental in determining Downstate’s reaccreditation status, reinforcing our reputation as a leading academic medical institution.

The April site visit is the culmination of an extensive self-study process that began in September 2022, engaging more than 100 faculty, staff, and students across nine dedicated Working Groups. A 23-member Steering Committee representing various administrative and academic areas has provided oversight. An Executive Bridge Committee, composed of campus leadership, has offered additional strategic guidance.

I am pleased to report that the self-study team completed a comprehensive Self-Study Report and an extensive evidence library, demonstrating Downstate’s unwavering commitment to academic integrity, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement. The Self-Study Report will be made available to the campus community via a secure link on our self-study website, ensuring transparency and engagement as we prepare for the visit.

Engaging the entire Downstate community is essential as we approach this critical milestone. Students, faculty, and staff all have roles in shaping our future, and their active participation in the reaccreditation process will help reinforce our commitment to excellence.

The April 2025 site visit is a decisive moment for Downstate, and we remain committed to ensuring a successful reaccreditation outcome. Thank you for your continued support and dedication as we progress in this essential process.

Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff who contributed to the self-study process and all those working behind the scenes in their ongoing efforts to prepare for the April visit.

Special thanks to Pascal James Imperato, M.D., MPH&TM, MACP, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, who leads the self-study process, Jeffrey S. Putman, Ed.D., Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, and D. Kane Gillespie, DMA, Director of Evaluation, Outcomes Assessment, and Accreditation Services, chair the Steering Committee, and Lori A. Bruno, MPH, Assistant Vice President, Office of Policy and Planning co-chairs the Steering Committee. Ann Marie Cullen, Administrator, Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer. Tina Adjei-Bosompem, MPH Assistant Director of Evaluation, Outcomes Assessment, and Accreditation Services, serves in a critical supporting role for the self-study.

For more information on the Self-Study process, please visit the self-study website.