SANS.edu MSCHE Reaccreditation Self-study Timeline

SANS Technology Institute Timeline for Self-study

The SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) is currently engaged in a multi-year Self-Study process in preparation for its next reaccreditation review by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This collaborative and evidence-based initiative is designed to assess institutional effectiveness and align with MSCHE’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation.

Outlined here is the eight-phase timeline for SANS.edu’s Self-Study process, from initial planning through the MSCHE site visit and final commission decision.

Timeline Overview

Phase 1: Pre-Self-Study Planning | Summer 2023 through Winter 2024

  • Identify Steering Committee and Working Groups
  • Attend MSCHE Self-Study Institute
  • Kick-off meeting with Steering Committee
  • Develop initial Self-Study Design draft
  • Submit draft Self-Study Design to MSCHE Liaison

Phase 2: MSCHE Liaison Engagement | Spring 2025

  • MSCHE Self-Study Preparation Visit
  • Revise Self-Study Design per MSCHE feedback
  • Submit final Self-Study Design

Phase 3: Evidence Collection & Inquiry Plans | Mid–Late 2025

  • Working Groups finalize research questions
  • Submit Inquiry Plans to Steering Committee
  • Begin institutional data collection and evidence inventory

Phase 4: Initial Drafts & Internal Review | Fall 2025 – Winter 2026

  • Preliminary Findings Reports due from Working Groups
  • Steering Committee reviews drafts
  • Revisions based on feedback and final data
  • Compile first full Self-Study draft

Phase 5: Institutional Engagement & Refinement | Spring–Summer 2026

  • Share Self-Study draft with campus stakeholders
  • Gather feedback via town halls and surveys
  • Integrate feedback and conduct external peer review
  • Finalize second full draft

Phase 6: Finalization & Submission | Summer 2026

  • Final review by Steering Committee
  • Approval by institutional leadership
  • Submit final Self-Study Report to MSCHE

Phase 7: Evaluation & Site Visit | Fall 2026

  • MSCHE Team Chair Preliminary Visit
  • Prepare for On-Site Evaluation
  • MSCHE On-Site Evaluation Visit

Phase 8: Post-Evaluation & MSCHE Action | Late 2026 – Spring 2027

  • Receive Evaluation Team Report and submit Institutional Response
  • MSCHE Commission Review and Decision

Key Considerations & Next Steps

  • The Steering Committee will monitor progress and adjust the timeline as needed.
  • Regular updates will be shared to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
  • Post-Self-Study actions and planning will be shaped by MSCHE feedback and integrated into the 2026–2030 strategic planning cycle.