NEW YORK, May 1, 2019 — The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry’s written plan to conduct an extensive self-study process required for continued Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation has been accepted after a February 12 campus visit by MSCHE vice president Dr. Stephen Pugliese.
MSCHE is a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to award institutional accreditation, which is necessary for students to qualify for federal financial aid. SUNY Optometry is also reviewed by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), which visited the campus in early April. ACOE provides programmatic review required for licensure of the College’s graduates.
The self-study is a collective effort that reflects multiple voices and experiences with the institution. SUNY Optometry president David A. Heath appointed seven working groups of 39 faculty members, staff and students to “engage the institutional community in an inclusive and transparent self-appraisal process that actively and deliberately seeks to involve members from all areas of the institutional community.” Each working group will work on a specific part of the overall report to be submitted to MSCHE. Dr. Steven Schwartz, professor and director of institutional research and planning, and Ms. Focrun Nahar, institutional research and academic program coordinator, will chair the self-study.
The MSCHE site-visit team will visit the campus during the spring of 2021.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education Links and Documents
SUNY Self-Study Design Document
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Links and Documents
2019 ACOE Self-Study
ACOE Website
ACOE Accreditation Standards
Media Contact: Amber E. Hopkins Tingle, 212.938.5607, amber@sunyopt.edu