Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is accredited through The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Because accreditation is a process of self regulation, it requires that institutions engage periodically in a comprehensive and candid self-study of their own strengths and weaknesses. Self-study is at the heart of accreditation. In preparation for the next re-accreditation site visit by a NEASC visiting team in November 2011, the college will begin a comprehensive self-study process in January 2010.

NEASC is one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States, is a voluntary, non-profit, self-governing organization having as its primary purpose the accreditation of educational institutions. Through its evaluation activities, carried out by six commissions, the Association provides public assurance about the educational quality of those schools and colleges that seek or wish to maintain membership, which is synonymous with accreditation.

Institutions of higher learning achieve accreditation from the New England Association through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education by demonstrating they meet the Commission's Standards for Accreditation and comply with its policies. The Standards for Accreditation establish criteria for institutional quality. In addition, the Commission adopts policies that elucidate the Standards and relate to their application. Moreover, the Commission expects affiliated institutions to work toward improving their quality, increasing their effectiveness, and continually striving toward excellence. Its evaluative processes are designed to encourage such improvement.

Each of the eleven Standards articulates a dimension of institutional quality. In applying the Standards, the Commission assesses and makes a determination about the effectiveness of the institution as a whole. The institution that meets the Standards:

• has clearly defined purposes appropriate to an institution of higher learning;
• has assembled and organized those resources necessary to achieve its purposes;
• is achieving its purposes;
• has the ability to continue to achieve its purposes.

The self-study process is intended to be open and transparent. The self-study document will synthesize information gathered from faculty, students, staff, board members and the community. Committees for each of the eleven standards will work in coordination with the steering committee.

Steering Committee

• Karen Diaz
• Brittanie Greco
• Kathleen Lynch
• Chris Morss
• Paul Zarbo

Standard Committees

Standard One: Mission and Purposes	Paul Zarbo
Standard Two: Planning and Evaluation	Kathleen Lynch
Standard Three: Organization and Governance	Maureen Pompeo
Standard Four: The Academic Program	Jackie Cornog
Standard Five: Faculty	Barney Barnhart
Standard Six: Students	Dave Drucker
Standard Seven: Library and Other Information Resources	Sharon Bonk
Standard Eight: Physical and Technological Resources	Steve Lozen
Standard Nine: Financial Resources	Steve Lozen
Standard Ten: Public Disclosure	Jamey Palmieri
Standard Eleven: Integrity	Karen Diaz

NEASC Self-Study Timeline