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Public Disclosure StatementUPR - Aguadilla

November 18, 2010

By the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

This statement has been developed for use in responding to public inquiries,consistent with the Commissions policy on Public Communication in the

Accrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status for UPR-Aguadilla, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Aguadilla, located in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University ofPuerto Rico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation since 1976. UPR-Aguadilla is a public institution offering programsleading to the Associates and Bachelors degrees. A summary of the most

recent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.

Current Accreditation Status

On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Aguadillasprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with

Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and

Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance).

The full text of the Commissions action is provided below. The full text of theCommissions standards is available online athttp://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Aguadilla remains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commission

standards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity tosustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement. For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range ofCommission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoring

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report, is required to demonstrate that the institution has made appropriateimprovements to bring itself into compliance. A small team visit also is conductedto verify institutional status and progress.

Summary of Recent Commission Actions

The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separateaccreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR - Aguadilla, voted to join the strikeand closed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board membersconcerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,

responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:

1.Requirement of Affiliation 3: that requires the institution to be operational,with students actively pursuing their degree programs.

2.Standard 3, Resources: that requires the availability and accessibility of thenecessary resources to achieve the institutions mission and goals.

3.Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance): that requires a system of

governance that clearly defines the roles of institutional constituencies inpolicy development and decision making, with sufficient autonomy toassure institutional integrity and to fulfill its responsibilities of policy andresource development, consistent with the institutions mission.

4.Standard 11: to provide the appropriate program length required for thegranting of credits and degrees.

The report was received and reviewed by the Commission. On June 21, 2010the Commission was informed that the students and central administration officeshad reached an agreement and campuses would reopen administratively, withclasses resuming in July in order to allow the campuses to complete the springsemester.

On June 24, 2010 the Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted asfollows:

To note receipt of the voluntary information report. To place the institutionon probation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is incompliance with Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance) and Standard11 (Educational Offerings). To request a monitoring report due bySeptember 1, 2010, documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with (1) Standard 4(Leadership and Governance), including but not limited to the development

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and implementation of clear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and their respective roles andresponsibilities in shared governance; and (2) Standard 11 (EducationalOfferings), including but not limited to a plan for assuring the rigor,continuity, and length of courses affected by the institutions closure . In

addition, the report should document evidence of the development and/orimplementation of a long-term financial plan, including steps taken toimprove the institutions finances and the development of alternativefunding sources (Standard 3). An on-site evaluation will follow submissionof the report. The purpose of the on-site evaluation is to verify theinformation provided in the monitoring report and the institution's ongoingand sustainable compliance with the Commission's accreditationstandards. To further direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit todiscuss the Commission's expectations for reporting. To note that theinstitution remains accredited while on probation. To note that the nextevaluation visit is still scheduled for 2010-2011.

On September 1, 2010 the institution submitted a monitoring report and onSeptember 12-16, 2010 an on-site team visit took place. The monitoring report,the on-site visiting team report, and the institutional response were reviewed bythe Committee on Follow-Up Activities on November 4, 2010. On November 18,2010 the Commission acted as follows:

To note that the Commission liaison guidance visit took place.To document receipt of the monitoring report and to note thevisit by the Commission's representatives.

To continue the institution's probation due to a lack of evidence

that the institution is in compliance with Standard 3(Institutional Resources) and Standard 4 (Leadership andGovernance).

To request a monitoring report due by March 1, 2011,documenting evidence that the institution has achieved andcan sustain ongoing compliance with Standards 3 and 4,including but not limited to (1) five-year financial projections forthe UPR System including information from audited financialstatements for fiscal year 2010; (2) institutional pro-formabudgets that demonstrate the institution's ability to generate a

balanced budget for fiscal years 2012 through 2015, includingthe personnel, compensation, and other assumptions on whichthese budgets are based (Standard 3); (3) evidence ofimplementation of clear institutional policies specifying therespective authority of the different governance bodies andtheir respective roles and responsibilities in sharedgovernance; (4) evidence that the Board of Trustees assists ingenerating resources needed to sustain and improve the

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institution; (5) evidence of a procedure in place for the periodicobjective assessment of the Board of Trustees in meetingstated governing body objectives and responsibilities; (6)evidence that steps have been taken to assure continuity andstability of institutional leadership, particularly in times of

governmental transition; (7) evidence that the UPR Action Planis implemented, that it is assessed, and the data are used forcontinuous improvement of the institution's processes; (8)evidence that steps have been taken to improve sharedgovernance, especially in documenting how campus input issolicited and considered in decision making at the Systemlevel; and (9) evidence that communication between theCentral Administration and the institution and within theinstitution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and that the sourcesof such communications are clearly defined and madeavailable to all constituents (Standard 4). To note that the

institution's evaluation visit will take place as scheduled inSpring 2011 and that this visit will include consideration of thisreport. To note that the institution remains accredited while onprobation.

Current Status and Expected Activities

UPR-Aguadillaremains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct a decennial evaluation visit scheduled for spring 2011, which will

also assess the institutions compliance with the Commissions standards.Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visiting team will be completed. Themonitoring report, the evaluation visit report and the institutional response to theevaluation visit report will be considered by the Committee on Follow-Up

Activities, and then by the Commission at its June 2011 meeting.

At its June 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in accordancewith the Commissions policy, Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation(available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. If,based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report, the Commissiondetermines that UPR-Aguadilla has made appropriate progress in addressing thecited concerns, the Commission may act to remove the probation and reaffirmaccreditation. If the Commission determines that progress sufficient todemonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has not been made, theCommission may take further action as allowed under the Range of Commission

Actions on Accreditation.

For More Information

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The following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Aguadillas accreditationstatus:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Aguadilla

(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information aboutUPR-Aguadilla and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regarding theinstitution.

Characteristics of Excellence(http://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf) providesthe Commissions accreditation standards and requirements for affiliation.

Media Backgrounder(http://msche.org/documents/Media-Backgrounder-2010.doc) answers questions about accreditation such as What isaccreditation? and What is the Middle States Commission on Higher

Education?

Informing the Public about Accreditation (www.chea.org/public_info/index.asp),published by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, provides additionalinformation on the nature and value of accreditation.

Public Communication in the Accrediting Process(www.msche.org/documents/P4.1-PublicCommunication.doc) explains whatinformation the Commission makes public regarding its member institutions andwhat information remains confidential.

Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation(www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc) and StandardizedLanguage for Commission Actions on Accreditation(www.msche.org/documents/P2.4-StandardizedLanguage_031308 .doc) explainthe terms used in the Commissions actions.

______________

Public Disclosure Statement

UPR-Arecibo

November 18, 2010



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Accrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status for UPR-Arecibo, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Arecibo, located in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University of PuertoRico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher

Education since 1967. UPR-Arecibo is a public institution offering programsleading to the Associates and Bachelors degrees. A summary of the mostrecent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.


On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Arecibosprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). The full text of the Commissions action isprovided below. The full text of the Commissions standards is available online at

http://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Arecibo remains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commissionstandards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity to

sustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement. For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range ofCommission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoringreport, is required to demonstrate that the institution has made appropriateimprovements to bring itself into compliance. A small team visit also is conductedto verify institutional status and progress.


The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separateaccreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR - Arecibo, voted to join the strikeand closed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board members

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concerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:

5. Requirement of Affiliation 3: that requires the institution to be

operational, with students actively pursuing their degree programs.6. Standard 3, Resources: that requires the availability and accessibility of

the necessary resources to achieve the institutions mission and goals.7. Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance): that requires a system of


8. Standard 11: to provide the appropriate program length required for thegranting of credits and degrees.

The report was received and reviewed by the Commission. On June 21, 2010

the Commission was informed that the students and central administration officeshad reached an agreement and campuses would reopen administratively, withclasses resuming in July in order to allow the campuses to complete the springsemester.


To note receipt of the voluntary information report. Toplace the institution on probation because of a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance with

Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance) andStandard 11 (Educational Offerings). To request amonitoring report due by September 1, 2010,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with(1) Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance),

including but not limited to the development andimplementation of clear institutional policies specifyingthe respective authority of the different governancebodies and their respective roles and responsibilitiesin shared governance; and (2) Standard 11

(Educational Offerings), including but not limited to aplan for assuring the rigor, continuity, and length ofcourses affected by the institutions closure. Inaddition, the report should document evidence of thedevelopment and/or implementation of a long-termfinancial plan, including steps taken to improve theinstitutions finances and the development ofalternative funding sources (Standard 3). An on-site

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evaluation will follow submission of the report. Thepurpose of the on-site evaluation is to verify theinformation provided in the monitoring report and theinstitution's ongoing and sustainable compliance withthe Commission's accreditation standards. To further

direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit todiscuss the Commission's expectations for reporting.To note that the institution remains accredited whileon probation. To note that the Periodic Review Reportdue June 1, 2010 was received and will be actedupon by the Commission in November.

On June 15, 2010, the institution submitted its Periodic Review Report, whichwas reviewed by the Periodic Review Report Committee in October. In addition,on September 1, 2010 the institution submitted a monitoring report and onSeptember 12-16, 2010 an on-site team visit took place. The monitoring report,the on-site visiting team report, and the institutional response were reviewed by

the Committee on Follow-Up Activities on November 4, 2010. On November 18,2010 the Commission acted as follows:

To note that the Commission liaison guidance visittook place. To document receipt of the monitoringreport and to note the visit by the Commission'srepresentatives.

To document receipt of the Periodic Review Reportand note that the report provided limited information

and analysis on Standard 3.

To continue the institution's probation due to a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance).

To request a monitoring report due by March 1, 2011,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance withStandards 3 and 4, including, but not limited to (1)

five-year financial projections for the UPR Systemincluding information from audited financialstatements for fiscal year 2010; (2) institutional pro-forma budgets that demonstrate the institution's abilityto generate a balanced budget for fiscal years 2012through 2015, including the personnel, compensation,and other assumptions on which these budgets arebased (Standard 3); (3) evidence of implementation of

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clear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in sharedgovernance; (4) evidence that the Board of Trusteesassists in generating resources needed to sustain and

improve the institution; (5) evidence of a procedure inplace for the periodic objective assessment of theBoard of Trustees in meeting stated governing bodyobjectives and responsibilities; (6) evidence that stepshave been taken to assure continuity and stability ofinstitutional leadership, particularly in times ofgovernmental transition; (7) evidence that the UPR

Action Plan is implemented, that it is assessed, andthe data are used for continuous improvement of theinstitution's processes; (8) evidence that steps havebeen taken to improve shared governance, especially

in documenting how campus input is solicited andconsidered in decision making at the System level;and (9) evidence that communication between theCentral Administration and the institution and withinthe institution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and thatthe sources of such communications are clearlydefined and made available to all constituents(Standard 4). An on-site evaluation will followsubmission of the report. To note that the institutionremains accredited while on probation.


UPR-Areciboremains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct an on-site visit, which will assess the institutions compliance with theCommissions standards. Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visitingteam will be completed. The monitoring report, the on-site visit report and theinstitutional response to the on-site visit report will be considered by theCommittee on Follow-Up Activities, and then by the Commission at its June 2011meeting.

At its June 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in accordancewith the Commissions policy, Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation(available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. If,based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report, the Commissiondetermines that UPR-Arecibo has made appropriate progress in addressing thecited concerns, the Commission may act to remove the probation and reaffirmaccreditation. If the Commission determines that progress sufficient to

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demonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has not been made, theCommission may take further action as allowed under the Range of Commission



The following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Arecibos accreditation status:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Arecibo(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information aboutUPR-Arecibo and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regarding theinstitution.

Characteristics of Excellence(http://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf) provides

the Commissions accreditation standards and requirements for affiliation.

Media Backgrounder(http://msche.org/documents/Media-Backgrounder-2010.doc) answers questions about accreditation such as What isaccreditation? and What is the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation?





UPR-Bayamon

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November 18, 2010


This statement has been developed for use in responding to public inquiries,

consistent with the Commissions policy on Public Communication in theAccrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status for UPR-Bayamon, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Bayamon, located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University ofPuerto Rico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation since 1960. UPR-Bayamon is a public institution offering programsleading to the Associates and Bachelors degrees. A summary of the mostrecent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.


On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Bayamonsprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). The full text of the Commissions action isprovided below. The full text of the Commissions standards is available online athttp://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Bayamon remains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commissionstandards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity tosustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement. For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range ofCommission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoring



The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separate

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accreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR - Bayamon, voted to join the strikeand closed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,

Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board membersconcerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:

9. Requirement of Affiliation 3: that requires the institution to beoperational, with students actively pursuing their degree programs.

10.Standard 3, Resources: that requires the availability and accessibility ofthe necessary resources to achieve the institutions mission and goals.

11.Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance): that requires a system ofgovernance that clearly defines the roles of institutional constituencies in

policy development and decision making, with sufficient autonomy toassure institutional integrity and to fulfill its responsibilities of policy andresource development, consistent with the institutions mission.



On June 24, 2010 the Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted asfollows:To note receipt of the voluntary information report. To place the institution onprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 4 (Leadership and Governance) and Standard 11 (EducationalOfferings). To request a monitoring report due by September 1, 2010,documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoingcompliance with (1) Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance), including but notlimited to the development and implementation of clear institutional policiesspecifying the respective authority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in shared governance; and (2) Standard 11

(Educational Offerings), including but not limited to a plan for assuring the rigor,continuity, and length of courses affected by the institutions closure . In addition,the report should document evidence of the development and/or implementationof a long-term financial plan, including steps taken to improve the institutionsfinances and the development of alternative funding sources (Standard 3). Anon-site evaluation will follow submission of the report. The purpose of the on-siteevaluation is to verify the information provided in the monitoring report and theinstitution's ongoing and sustainable compliance with the Commission's

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accreditation standards. To further direct a prompt Commission liaison guidancevisit to discuss the Commission's expectations for reporting. To note that theinstitution remains accredited while on probation. To note that the next evaluationvisit is still scheduled for 2010-2011.


To note that the Commission liaison guidance visittook place. To accept the monitoring report and tonote the visit by the Commission's representatives.


To request a monitoring report due March 1, 2011,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance withStandards 3 and 4, including but not limited to (1) five-year financial projections for the UPR Systemincluding information from audited financialstatements for fiscal year 2010; (2) institutional pro-forma budgets that demonstrate the institution's ability

to generate a balanced budget for fiscal years 2012through 2015, including the personnel, compensation,and other assumptions on which these budgets arebased (Standard 3); (3) evidence of implementation ofclear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in sharedgovernance; (4) evidence that the Board of Trusteesassists in generating resources needed to sustain andimprove the institution; (5) evidence of a procedure inplace for the periodic objective assessment of the

Board of Trustees in meeting stated governing bodyobjectives and responsibilities; (6) evidence that stepshave been taken to assure continuity and stability ofinstitutional leadership, particularly in times ofgovernmental transition; (7) evidence that the UPR

Action Plan is implemented, that it is assessed, andthe data are used for continuous improvement of theinstitution's processes; (8) evidence that steps have

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been taken to improve shared governance, especiallyin documenting how campus input is solicited andconsidered in decision making at the System level;and (9) evidence that communication between theCentral Administration and the institution and within

the institution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and thatthe sources of such communications are clearlydefined and made available to all constituents(Standard 4). To note that the institution's evaluationvisit will take place as scheduled in March 2011 andthat this visit will include consideration of this report.To note that the institution remains accredited whileon probation.


UPR-Bayamonremains accredited by the Middle States Commission on

Higher Education while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct a decennial evaluation visit scheduled for spring 2011, which willalso assess the institutions compliance with the Commissions standards.Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visiting team will be completed. Themonitoring report, the evaluation visit report and the institutional response to theevaluation visit report will be considered by the Committee on Follow-Up


At its June 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in accordancewith the Commissions policy, Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation(available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. If,based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report, the Commissiondetermines that UPR-Bayamon has made appropriate progress in addressing thecited concerns, the Commission may act to remove the probation and reaffirmaccreditation. If the Commission determines that progress sufficient todemonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has not been made, theCommission may take further action as allowed under the Range of Commission



The following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Bayamons accreditationstatus:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Bayamon(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information about

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UPR-Bayamon and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regarding theinstitution.







_______________________


UPR-Carolina

November 18, 2010



Accrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status for UPR-Carolina, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Carolina, located in Carolina, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University ofPuerto Rico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation since 1978. UPR-Bayamon is a public institution offering programs

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leading to the Associates and Bachelors degrees. A summary of the mostrecent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.


On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Carolinasprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). The full text of the Commissions action isprovided below. The full text of the Commissions standards is available online athttp://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Carolina remains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commissionstandards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity tosustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement. For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range ofCommission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoring



The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separateaccreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR-Carolina, voted to join the strike andclosed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board members

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concerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:

13.Requirement of Affiliation 3: that requires the institution to be

operational, with students actively pursuing their degree programs.14.Standard 3, Resources: that requires the availability and accessibility of

the necessary resources to achieve the institutions mission and goals.15.Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance): that requires a system of


16.Standard 11: to provide the appropriate program length required for the

granting of credits and degrees.



To note receipt of the voluntary information report. To place the institution onprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 4 (Leadership and Governance) and Standard 11 (EducationalOfferings). To request a monitoring report due by September 1, 2010,documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing

compliance with (1) Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance), including but notlimited to the development and implementation of clear institutional policiesspecifying the respective authority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in shared governance; and (2) Standard 11(Educational Offerings), including but not limited to a plan for assuring the rigor,continuity, and length of courses affected by the institutions closure . In addition,the report should document evidence of the development and/or implementationof a long-term financial plan, including steps taken to improve the institutions

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finances and the development of alternative funding sources (Standard 3). Anon-site evaluation will follow submission of the report. The purpose of the on-siteevaluation is to verify the information provided in the monitoring report and theinstitution's ongoing and sustainable compliance with the Commission'saccreditation standards. To further direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance

visit to discuss the Commission's expectations for reporting.

To note that theinstitution remains accredited while on probation. To note that the next evaluationvisit is still scheduled for 2010-2011.


To note that the Commission liaison guidance visit

took place. To accept the monitoring report and tonote the visit by the Commission's representatives.


To request a monitoring report due March 1, 2011,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance withStandards 3 and 4, including but not limited to (1) five-

year financial projections for the UPR Systemincluding information from audited financialstatements for fiscal year 2010; (2) institutional pro-forma budgets that demonstrate the institution's abilityto generate a balanced budget for fiscal years 2012through 2015, including the personnel, compensation,and other assumptions on which these budgets arebased (Standard 3); (3) evidence of implementation ofclear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in shared

governance; (4) evidence that the Board of Trusteesassists in generating resources needed to sustain andimprove the institution; (5) evidence of a procedure inplace for the periodic objective assessment of theBoard of Trustees in meeting stated governing bodyobjectives and responsibilities; (6) evidence that stepshave been taken to assure continuity and stability ofinstitutional leadership, particularly in times of

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governmental transition; (7) evidence that the UPRAction Plan is implemented, that it is assessed, andthe data are used for continuous improvement of theinstitution's processes; (8) evidence that steps havebeen taken to improve shared governance, especially

in documenting how campus input is solicited andconsidered in decision making at the System level;and (9) evidence that communication between theCentral Administration and the institution and withinthe institution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and thatthe sources of such communications are clearlydefined and made available to all constituents(Standard 4). An on-site evaluation will followsubmission of the report. To note that the 2010-2011evaluation visit has been postponed to the summer orfall of 2011, and that this visit will include

consideration of this report.To note that the institutionremains accredited while on probation.


UPR-Carolinaremains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct a decennial evaluation visit, to be scheduled in the summer or fall of2011. This evaluation visit will also assess the institutions compliance with theCommissions standards. Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visitingteam will be completed. The monitoring report, the evaluation visit report and theinstitutional response to the evaluation visit report will be considered by theCommittee on Follow-Up Activities, and then by the Commission at its November2011 meeting.

At its November 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in

accordance with the Commissions policy,R

ange of Commission Actions onAccreditation (available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. If, based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report,the Commission determines that UPR-Carolina has made appropriate progressin addressing the cited concerns, the Commission may act to remove theprobation and reaffirm accreditation. If the Commission determines that progresssufficient to demonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has notbeen made, the Commission may take further action as allowed under the Range

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of Commission Actions on Accreditation.


The following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Carolinas accreditationstatus:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Carolina(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information aboutUPR-Carolina and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regarding theinstitution.

Characteristics of Excellence(http://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf)

provides the Commissions accreditation standards and requirements foraffiliation.

Media Backgrounder(http://msche.org/documents/Media-Backgrounder-

2010.doc) answers questions about accreditation such as What isaccreditation? and What is the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation?


Public Communication in the Accrediting Process(www.msche.org/documents/P4.1-PublicCommunication.doc) explains whatinformation the Commission makes public regarding its member institutions and

what information remains confidential.


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UPR-Cayey

November 18, 2010



Accrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status for UPR-Cayey, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Cayey, located in Cayey, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University of PuertoRico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation since 1967. UPR-Cayey is a public institution offering programsleading to the Associates and Bachelors degrees. A summary of the mostrecent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.


On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Cayeysprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with

Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and

Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance). In addition, the Commission found alack of evidence that the institution is in compliance with

Standards 7 (Institutional Assessment) and

Standard 14 (Assessment of Student Learning) based on the Periodic ReviewReport. The full text of the Commissions action is provided below. The full textof the Commissions standards is available online athttp://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Cayey remains accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commission

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standards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity tosustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,

preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement.For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range of

Commission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoringreport, is required to demonstrate that the institution has made appropriateimprovements to bring itself into compliance. A small team visit also is conductedto verify institutional status and progress.


The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separate

accreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR - Cayey, voted to join the strike andclosed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board membersconcerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:






The report was received and reviewed by the Commission. On June 21, 2010

the Commission was informed that the students and central administration officeshad reached an agreement and campuses would reopen administratively, withclasses resuming in July in order to allow the campuses to complete the springsemester.


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To note receipt of the voluntary information report. Toplace the institution on probation because of a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 4 (Leadership and Governance) andStandard 11 (Educational Offerings). To request a

monitoring report due by September 1, 2010,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with(1) Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance),

including but not limited to the development andimplementation of clear institutional policies specifyingthe respective authority of the different governancebodies and their respective roles and responsibilitiesin shared governance; and (2) Standard 11(Educational Offerings), including but not limited to aplan for assuring the rigor, continuity, and length of

courses affected by the institutions closure.

Inaddition, the report should document evidence of thedevelopment and/or implementation of a long-termfinancial plan, including steps taken to improve theinstitutions finances and the development ofalternative funding sources (Standard 3). An on-siteevaluation will follow submission of the report. Thepurpose of the on-site evaluation is to verify theinformation provided in the monitoring report and theinstitution's ongoing and sustainable compliance withthe Commission's accreditation standards. To furtherdirect a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit todiscuss the Commission's expectations for reporting.To note that the institution remains accredited whileon probation. To note that the Periodic Review Reportdue June 1, 2010 was received and will be actedupon by the Commission in November.

On June 15, 2010, the institution submitted its Periodic Review Report, whichwas reviewed by the Periodic Review Report Committee in October. In addition,on September 1, 2010 the institution submitted a monitoring report and onSeptember 12-16, 2010 an on-site team visit took place. The monitoring report,the on-site visiting team report, and the institutional response were reviewed by

the Committee on Follow-Up Activities on November 4, 2010. On November 18,2010 the Commission acted as follows:


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To document receipt of the Periodic Review Reportand note that the report was of insufficient quality,necessitated extraordinary effort by the Commission'srepresentatives and staff conducting the review,

provided insufficient information in English as requiredby Requirement of Affiliation 3, and provided limitedinformation on Standard 3.

To continue the institution's probation due to a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). In addition, there is alack of evidence that the institution is in compliancewith Standards 7 (Institutional Assessment) and

Standard 14 (Assessment of Student Learning) basedon the Periodic Review Report.

To request a monitoring report due by March 1, 2011,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance withStandards 3 and 4, including, but not limited to (1)five-year financial projections for the UPR Systemincluding information from audited financialstatements for fiscal year 2010; (2) institutional pro-

forma budgets that demonstrate the institution's abilityto generate a balanced budget for fiscal years 2012through 2015, including the personnel, compensation,and other assumptions on which these budgets arebased (Standard 3); (3) evidence of implementation ofclear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in sharedgovernance; (4) evidence that the Board of Trusteesassists in generating resources needed to sustain andimprove the institution; (5) evidence of a procedure in

place for the periodic objective assessment of theBoard of Trustees in meeting stated governing bodyobjectives and responsibilities; (6) evidence that stepshave been taken to assure continuity and stability ofinstitutional leadership, particularly in times ofgovernmental transition; (7) evidence that the UPR

Action Plan is implemented, that it is assessed, andthe data are used for continuous improvement of the

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institution's processes; (8) evidence that steps havebeen taken to improve shared governance, especiallyin documenting how campus input is solicited andconsidered in decision making at the System level;and (9) evidence that communication between the

Central Administration and the institution and withinthe institution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and thatthe sources of such communications are clearlydefined and made available to all constituents(Standard 4). An on-site evaluation will followsubmission of the March 1, 2011 monitoring report.

To further request a monitoring report due September1, 2011, documenting evidence of compliance withStandards 7 and 14, including but not limited toimplementation of a comprehensive, organized, andsustained process for the assessment of institutionaleffectiveness with evidence that assessmentinformation is used in budgeting, planning, andallocating resources at the institutional level and in alldepartments (Standard 7); and (2) implementation ofan organized and sustained assessment process toevaluate and improve student learning, includingevidence of direct and indirect methods ofassessment at the course and program level andevidence that assessment results are used to improveteaching and learning (Standard 14). A small teamvisit will follow submission of the September 1, 2011report. To note that the institution remains accreditedwhile on probation.


UPR-Cayeyremains accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct an on-site visit, which will assess the institutions compliance with the

Commissions standards. Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visitingteam will be completed. The monitoring report, the on-site visit report and theinstitutional response to the on-site visit report will be considered by theCommittee on Follow-Up Activities, and then by the Commission at its June 2011meeting.

At its June 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in accordancewith the Commissions policy, Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation

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(available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. Inaddition, the institution will submit an additional monitoring report on September1, 2011, documenting evidence of compliance with Standards 7 (Institutional

Assessment) and 14 (Assessment of Student Learning). Following submission ofthe September 1, 2011 monitoring report, the Commission will conduct an on-site

visit, which will assess the institutions compliance with the Commissionsstandards. Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visiting team will becompleted. The monitoring report, the on-site visit report and the institutionalresponse to the on-site visit report will be considered by the Committee onFollow-Up Activities, and then by the Commission at its November 2011meeting. If, based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report, theCommission determines that UPR-Cayey has made appropriate progress inaddressing the cited concerns, the Commission may act to remove the probationand reaffirm accreditation. If the Commission determines that progress sufficientto demonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has not been made,the Commission may take further action as allowed under the Range of

Commission Actions on Accreditation.


The following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Cayeys accreditation status:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Cayey(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information aboutUPR-Cayey and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regarding theinstitution.

Characteristics of Excellence(http://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf) providesthe Commissions accreditation standards and requirements for affiliation.




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UPR-Humacao

November 18, 2010



Accrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status for UPR-Humacao, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Humacao, located in Humacao, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University ofPuerto Rico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation since 1962. UPR-Humacao is a public institution offering programsleading to the Associates and Bachelors degrees. A summary of the mostrecent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.


On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Humacaosprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). The full text of the Commissions action isprovided below. The full text of the Commissions standards is available online athttp://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Humacao remains accredited by the Middle States Commission on

Higher Education while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commissionstandards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity to

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sustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement. For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range ofCommission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoringreport, is required to demonstrate that the institution has made appropriate

improvements to bring itself into compliance.A small team visit also is conductedto verify institutional status and progress.


The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separateaccreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR - Humacao, voted to join the strike

and closed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board membersconcerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:








To note receipt of the voluntary information report. To place the institution onprobation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 4 (Leadership and Governance) and Standard 11 (EducationalOfferings). To request a monitoring report due by September 1, 2010,

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based (Standard 3); (3) evidence of implementation ofclear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in sharedgovernance; (4) evidence that the Board of Trustees

assists in generating resources needed to sustain andimprove the institution; (5) evidence of a procedure inplace for the periodic objective assessment of theBoard of Trustees in meeting stated governing bodyobjectives and responsibilities; (6) evidence that stepshave been taken to assure continuity and stability ofinstitutional leadership, particularly in times ofgovernmental transition; (7) evidence that the UPR

Action Plan is implemented, that it is assessed, andthe data are used for continuous improvement of theinstitution's processes; (8) evidence that steps have

been taken to improve shared governance, especiallyin documenting how campus input is solicited andconsidered in decision making at the System level;and (9) evidence that communication between theCentral Administration and the institution and withinthe institution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and thatthe sources of such communications are clearlydefined and made available to all constituents(Standard 4). To note that the institution's evaluationvisit will take place as scheduled in Spring 2011 andthat this visit will include consideration of this report.To note that the institution remains accredited whileon probation.


UPR-Humacaoremains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct a decennial evaluation visit scheduled for spring 2011, which willalso assess the institutions compliance with the Commissions standards.

Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visiting team will be completed. Themonitoring report, the evaluation visit report and the institutional response to theevaluation visit report will be considered by the Committee on Follow-Up


At its June 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in accordancewith the Commissions policy, Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation(available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. If,

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based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report, the Commissiondetermines that UPR-Humacao has made appropriate progress in addressing thecited concerns, the Commission may act to remove the probation and reaffirmaccreditation. If the Commission determines that progress sufficient todemonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has not been made, the

Commission may take further action as allowed under theR

ange of CommissionActions on Accreditation.


The following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Humacaos accreditationstatus:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Humacao(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information about

UPR-Humacao and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regarding theinstitution.

Characteristics of Excellence (http://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09.pdf) provides the Commissions accreditationstandards and requirements for affiliation.





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____________


UPR-Mayaguez

November 18, 2010



Accrediting Process. It should be read in conjunction with the Statement ofAccreditation Status

for UPR-Mayaguez, a copy of which is attached.

UPR-Mayaguez, located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is a unit of the University ofPuerto Rico. It has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on HigherEducation since 1946. UPR-Mayaguez is a public institution offering programsleading to the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctors degrees. A summary of themost recent Commission actions relative to the institutions accreditation follows.


On November 18, 2010, the Commission acted to continue UPR-Mayaguezs

probation because of a lack of evidence that the institution is currently incompliance with Standard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). In addition, the Commission found a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance with Standard 2 (Planning,Resource Allocation, and Institutional Renewal) based on the Periodic ReviewReport. The full text of the Commissions action is provided below. The full textof the Commissions standards is available online athttp://www.msche.org/publications/CHX06_Aug08REVMarch09 .pdf

UPR-Mayaguez remains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

The Commission places an institution on Probation when, in the Commissionsjudgment, the institution is not in compliance with one or more Commissionstandards and that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive, or acutethat it raises concerns about one or more of the following: the adequacy of theeducation provided by the institution; the institutions capacity to makeappropriate improvements in a timely fashion; or the institutions capacity tosustain itself in the long term. Probation is often, but need not always be,

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preceded by an action of Warning or Postponement. For details on theCommissions complete range of actions, read the MSCHE policy on Range ofCommission Actions on Accreditation. A follow-up report, called a monitoringreport, is required to demonstrate that the institution has made appropriateimprovements to bring itself into compliance. A small team visit also is conducted

to verify institutional status and progress.


The University of Puerto Rico System (UPR), the principle public system for theCommonwealth, consists of eleven campuses, each holding separateaccreditation. On April 21, the students at one campus of the University ofPuerto Rico system declared a 48-hour strike, protesting actions taken by theUPR system central administration and closed down the gates of the campus.Students at other campuses, including, UPR - Mayaguez, voted to join the strikeand closed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,

Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board membersconcerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:

25.Requirement of Affiliation 3: that requires the institution to beoperational, with students actively pursuing their degree programs.

26.Standard 3, Resources: that requires the availability and accessibility ofthe necessary resources to achieve the institutions mission and goals.

27.Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance): that requires a system ofgovernance that clearly defines the roles of institutional constituencies in

policy development and decision making, with sufficient autonomy toassure institutional integrity and to fulfill its responsibilities of policy andresource development, consistent with the institutions mission.




To note receipt of the voluntary information report. Toplace the institution on probation because of a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 4 (Leadership and Governance) andStandard 11 (Educational Offerings). To request a

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monitoring report due by September 1, 2010,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with(1) Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance),

including but not limited to the development and

implementation of clear institutional policies specifyingthe respective authority of the different governancebodies and their respective roles and responsibilitiesin shared governance; and (2) Standard 11(Educational Offerings), including but not limited to aplan for assuring the rigor, continuity, and length ofcourses affected by the institutions closure. Inaddition, the report should document evidence of thedevelopment and/or implementation of a long-termfinancial plan, including steps taken to improve theinstitutions finances and the development of

alternative funding sources (Standard 3).

An on-siteevaluation will follow submission of the report. Thepurpose of the on-site evaluation is to verify theinformation provided in the monitoring report and theinstitution's ongoing and sustainable compliance withthe Commission's accreditation standards. To furtherdirect a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit todiscuss the Commission's expectations for reporting.To note that the institution remains accredited whileon probation. To note that the Periodic Review Reportdue June 1, 2010 was received and will be actedupon by the Commission in November.

On June 15, 2010, the institution submitted its Periodic Review Report, whichwas reviewed by the Periodic Review Report Committee in October. In addition,on September 1, 2010 the institution submitted a monitoring report and onSeptember 12-16, 2010 an on-site team visit took place. The monitoring report,the on-site visiting team report, and the institutional response were reviewed bythe Committee on Follow-Up Activities on November 4, 2010. On November 18,2010 the Commission acted as follows:

To note that the Commission liaison guidance visittook place. To document receipt of the monitoring

report and to note the visit by the Commission'srepresentatives.

To document receipt of the Periodic Review Reportand note that the report was of insufficient quality,necessitated extraordinary effort by the Commission'srepresentatives conducting the review, provided

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insufficient information in English as required byRequirement of Affiliation 3, and provided limitedinformation on Standard 3.

To continue the institution's probation due to a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 3 (Institutional Resources) and Standard 4(Leadership and Governance). In addition, there is alack of evidence that the institution is in compliancewith Standard 2 (Planning, Resource Allocation, andInstitutional Renewal) based on the Periodic ReviewReport.

To request a monitoring report due by March 1, 2011,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance withStandards 2, 3 and 4, including, but not limited to (1)implementation of a comprehensive institutionalstrategic plan that links long-range planning todecision-making and budgeting processes (Standard2); (2) five-year financial projections for the UPRSystem including information from audited financialstatements for fiscal year 2010; (3) institutional pro-forma budgets that demonstrate the institution's abilityto generate a balanced budget for fiscal years 2012through 2015, including the personnel, compensation,

and other assumptions on which these budgets arebased (Standard 3); (4) evidence of implementation ofclear institutional policies specifying the respectiveauthority of the different governance bodies and theirrespective roles and responsibilities in sharedgovernance; (5) evidence that the Board of Trusteesassists in generating resources needed to sustain andimprove the institution; (6) evidence of a procedure inplace for the periodic objective assessment of theBoard of Trustees in meeting stated governing bodyobjectives and responsibilities; (7) evidence that steps

have been taken to assure continuity and stability ofinstitutional leadership, particularly in times ofgovernmental transition; (8) evidence that the UPR

Action Plan is implemented, that it is assessed, andthe data are used for continuous improvement of theinstitution's processes; (9) evidence that steps havebeen taken to improve shared governance, especiallyin documenting how campus input is solicited and

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considered in decision making at the System level;and (10) evidence that communication between theCentral Administration and the institution and withinthe institution, is clear, timely, and accurate, and thatthe sources of such communications are clearly

defined and made available to all constituents(Standard 4). An on-site evaluation will followsubmission of the report. To note that the institutionremains accredited while on probation.


UPR-Mayaguezremains accredited by the Middle States Commission onHigher Education while on probation.

Following submission of a monitoring report on March 1, 2011, the Commissionwill conduct an on-site visit, which will assess the institutions compliance with theCommissions standards. Following the evaluation visit, a report by the visitingteam will be completed. The monitoring report, the on-site visit report and theinstitutional response to the on-site visit report will be considered by theCommittee on Follow-Up Activities, and then by the Commission at its June 2011meeting.

At its June 2011 session, the Commission will take further action, in accordancewith the Commissions policy, Range of Commission Actions on Accreditation(available at http://www.msche.org/documents/P2.3-RangeofActions.doc. If,based on the monitoring report and on-site visit report, the Commissiondetermines that UPR-Cayey has made appropriate progress in addressing the

cited concerns, the Commission may act to remove the probation and reaffirmaccreditation. If the Commission determines that progress sufficient todemonstrate compliance with its accreditation standards has not been made, theCommission may take further action as allowed under the Range of Commission


For More InformationThe following resources provide additional information that may be helpful inunderstanding the Commissions actions and UPR-Mayaguezs accreditationstatus:

Statement of Accreditation Status for UPR-Mayaguez(www.msche.org/institutions_directory .asp) provides factual information aboutUPR-Mayaguez and the full text of the Commissions recent actions regardingthe institution.


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Media Backgrounder(http://msche.org/documents/Media-Backgrounder-2010.doc) answers questions about accreditation such as What isaccreditation? and What is the Middle States Commission on Higher

Education?




__________________________


UPR-Ponce

November 18, 2010


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closed ten of the eleven campuses of the UPR system. On May 17, 2010,Commission staff met with senior University system officials and board membersconcerning the ongoing strike. At the time, the University system agreed toprovide a voluntary report, received by the Commission on June 1, 2010,responding to the Commissions concerns regarding compliance with:





32.Standard 11: to provide the appropriate program length required for the

granting of credits and degrees.The report was received and reviewed by the Commission. On June 21, 2010the Commission was informed that the students and central administration officeshad reached an agreement and campuses would reopen administratively, withclasses resuming in July in order to allow the campuses to complete the springsemester.


To note receipt of the voluntary information report. To

place the institution on probation because of a lack ofevidence that the institution is in compliance withStandard 4 (Leadership and Governance) andStandard 11 (Educational Offerings). To request amonitoring report due by September 1, 2010,documenting evidence that the institution hasachieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with(1) Standard 4 (Leadership and Governance),

including but not limited to the development andimplementation of clear institutional policies specifyingthe respective authority of the different governance

bodies and their respective roles and responsibilitiesin shared governance; and (2) Standard 11(Educational Offerings), including but not limited to aplan for assuring the rigor, continuity, and length ofcourses affected by the institutions closure. Inaddition, the report should document evidence of thedevelopment and/or implementation of a long-termfinancial plan, including steps taken to improve the

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institutions finances and the development ofalternative funding sources (Standard 3). An on-siteevaluation will follow submission of the report. Thepurpose of the on-site evaluation is to verify theinformation provided in the monitoring report and the

institution's ongoing and sustainable compliance withthe Commission's accreditation standards. To furtherdirect a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit todiscuss the Commission's expectations for reporting.To note that the institution remains accredited whileon probation. To note that the Periodic Review Reportdue June 1, 2010 was received and will be actedupon by the Commission in November.

On June 1, 2010, the institution submitted its Periodic Review Report, which wasreviewed by the Periodic Review Report Committee in October. In addition, onSeptember 1, 2010 the institution submitted a monitoring report and on

September 12-16, 2010 an on-site team visit took place. The monitoring report,the on-site visiting team report, and the institutional response were reviewed bythe Committee on Follow-Up Activities on November 4, 2010. On November 18,2010 the Commission acted as follows:


To document receipt of the Periodic Review Reportand note that the report provided limited informationon Standard 3.

To continue the institution's

PDS_nov18-2010[1]

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