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.