March 31, 2016

To the UMB Community:

Two and a half years ago, UMB began preparing for the reaffirmation of our accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This reaffirmation, occurring every 10 years, is a critical endorsement—an endorsement that the University continues to meet high standards in our pursuit of excellence in health, law, and human services.

The self-study process was marked by deep engagement across the University, thoughtful introspection about how well we execute our missions, and innovative ideas for accelerating progress in the years ahead.

Now we get to see the fruits of our 30-month labor. On Sunday, April 3, UMB welcomes the Middle States Evaluation Team, led by Denise Rodgers, MD, vice chancellor for interprofessional programs at Rutgers University. For three days, the team will meet with UMB’s Middle States Steering Committee and working group chairs, as well as groups of University and school leaders, faculty, staff, students, and constituents.

But not all meetings will be behind closed doors. The team will be out and about across campus, getting to know the University and its people. If you encounter the group, I ask that you engage with them candidly and help them put faces to the incredible work being undertaken every day at UMB.

On Wednesday, April 6, Dr. Rodgers will address the University community, detailing whether UMB has complied with all 14 standards necessary to maintain our accreditation with the Middle States Commission. The meeting will take place at noon in the School of Social Work Auditorium, and I hope you’ll join us for this presentation; register here. It’s important that the Evaluation Team see the great pride we take in UMB and understand how committed we are to continual improvement.

For more information about the accreditation process, visit 2016 Middle States Self-Study.  I hope to see you on April 6.

Sincerely,

Jay A. Perman, MD
President