March 17, 2014

Greetings University Community,

As co-chairs of the University's Middle States Steering Committee, we are contacting you today to ask you to participate in the Middle States reaccreditation process. As you might remember from Dr. Perman's February newsletter, every 10 years, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) conducts a comprehensive self-study as part of the reaccreditation process conducted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Our last comprehensive self-study came in 2006, with a periodic review in 2011. Our next decennial accreditation site visit is scheduled for spring 2016.
   
Between now and then, there will be several ways for you to assist in the process. Before we go into the details, you are probably wondering, 'Why is this important to me? Why is it worth my time?' Well, to be succinct about it, our federal funding depends upon it. Unlike the accreditations our seven professional schools and their associated programs undergo routinely, the Middle States accreditation is the certification UMB needs to continue to receive federal funds to support our education and research missions. In fiscal year 2014, those federal funds to UMB amounted to more than $240 million.
   
That alone is reason enough to help. Perhaps more important, however, are the improvements that result from such an in-depth self-review. The Middle States process reaffirms we are meeting high standards in our pursuit of excellence in health, law, and human services. But the level of engagement, thoughtful introspection, and innovative ideas that flow from the self-examination are the real benefits.
   
This is how you can help. On Thursday, March 20, Middle States Vice President Debra Klinman, PhD, will visit with President Perman, University System of Maryland Board of Regents representative Louise Michaux Gonzales, and our Middle States Steering Committee. As part of Dr. Klinman's visit, we will be holding a town hall from noon to 1 p.m. at the School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Hall North 103.
  
We would love for you to attend and help put a face on the amazing work being done at our University. Bring your questions, as it is also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Middle States Commission of Higher Education and its expectations for the self-study process. Community participation is vital at this and other Middle States town halls to come so we urge you to join us. To learn more about the Middle States process at UMB, visitwww.umaryland.edu/middlestates. 
   
Thank you in advance for your support. We hope to see you March 20.

Sincerely,

Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, BSP, FAAPS, FCP
Dean and professor, School of Pharmacy

Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MPA
Chief Accountability Officer and Vice President, Operations and Planning
 
Co-Chairs, UMB Middle States Steering Committee