UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 38, Page 1
August 6, 1992
Middle States Association reaffirms U.D. accreditation

     The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Universities has officially reaffirmed the
accreditation of the University of Delaware.
     In a letter to President David P. Roselle, Leon M. Goldstein,
commission chair, said special support was voiced for the University's
efforts to enhance diversity among its student body and faculty.
     The next periodic review by Middle States will be in four years.
     The preliminary report of the eight-member Middle States
evaluation team, which visited the campus Feb. 23-26, was extremely
favorable and had confirmed many of the University's own internal
findings. The team's report cited several areas of particular
strengths at the University, including faculty research, graduate
education, the Honors Program, the international thrust in
undergraduate education and the substantial roles for women as
decision makers.
     The report also questioned whether the University had reached a
consensus on the balance between graduate and undergraduate education,
noted a low ratio of assistant professors to professors with tenure
and stated a need for the University to increase black student
enrollment and the number of non-white faculty.
     The report noted, "The University of Delaware is in an excellent
position to continue as both leader and partner in expanding
educational opportunities throughout the state."
     Summarizing, it concluded:  "Overall, the University of Delaware
has been extraordinary in both the depth and breadth of its planning.
The administration and faculty have worked collegially in sharing
concerns regarding academic program, student affairs, diversity,
facility needs including computer and library systems, and financial
matters."
     In 1921, when the Middle States Association was formed, the
University of Delaware was among the first institutions accredited by
the group.  It has been continuously accredited every 10 years since
that time.
     Work on the recent accreditation review began in 1989 with the
appointment of a steering committee. In 1991, Margaret Andersen, vice
provost for academic affairs, was named to oversee the accreditation
response, with assistance from Russell R. Dynes, research professor of
sociology.
     Based on suggestions from the steering committee, five task
forces were created, on undergraduate education; graduate studies and
research; diversity and equity; public service; and resources and
governance.