To: Assumption University Community
From: Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., President
Re: NECHE Commission Action
Date: 6 December 2021
I am pleased to inform the community that the New England Commission of Higher Education voted to continue Assumption in accreditation, recognizing several impressive accomplishments of the last decade. The entire University community should feel a sense of pride in achieving this designation and I congratulate each of you on this news that affirms the value and relevancy of a Catholic liberal education. This critical accreditation is indicative of the collective work of the community – faculty, staff, and students – especially amid the difficult circumstances of the pandemic.
The Commission in particular noted our evolution into a comprehensive institution, the establishment of separate schools, and the recognition of this evolution by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts when university status was approved. The mission as guiding the current strategic plan, as well as the University’s Core Curriculum, was viewed positively by the Commission. Significant facilities growth in the last ten years was highlighted favorably with the construction of the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center, the Tsotsis Family Academic Center, and the Catrambone Health Sciences Center. The Commission noted favorably the strength of our financial status, despite enrollment challenges.
One of the purposes of a decennial evaluation is continued improvement of the institution. The Commission has asked for a progress report in 2023 and the required fifth-year interim report in 2026 on the continued implementation of the five school structure; updates on enrollment, retention, and discount rates; the launch of new graduate programs and the integration of graduate students into the culture of the University; and the implementation of a comprehensive approach to the assessment of student learning. Our next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled for Spring 2031.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Eloise Knowlton and Mr. Stuart Munro as Co-Chairs of the Steering Committee for the self-study. Their oversight of the self-study and of the Standard Subcommittees required countless hours of work above and beyond their regular responsibilities. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Chairs of the nine Standard Subcommittees and the faculty, staff, and students who served as members of those groups whose efforts kept the process of completing the self-study on time. Finally, to everyone who submitted comments to the drafts of the self-study, or who attended the various meetings with the members of the Visiting Team, thank you for your engagement with this process, which provided the Team and Commission with a comprehensive snapshot of the excellent work that takes place at Assumption each day, of which we should all be proud.
