The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by NECHE indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by NECHE is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by NECHE should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
The New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514
(781) 425.7785
e-mail: info@neche.org
Notice of Public Comment
The University of Maine System will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit from October 2-5, 2022 by a team representing the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
NECHE is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States providing institutional accreditation on a primarily regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NECHE accredits approximately 220 institutions, mainly in the New England region and overseas.
The University of Maine System (UMS) has been accredited by NECHE since July 2020. UMS accreditation encompasses the seven universities— the University of Maine; the University of Maine at Augusta; the University of Maine at Farmington; the University of Maine at Fort Kent; the University of Maine at Presque Isle; the University of Southern Maine; and the University at Maine at Machias, a regional campus of the University of Maine— as well as the University of Maine School of Law.
For the past sixteen months, UMS has been engaged in a process of self study addressing the Commission’s Standards For Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit our universities and Law School to gather evidence that the self study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the Commission a continuing status for UMS, and following a review process, the Commission itself will take the final action.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University of Maine System to:
Public Comment on the University of Maine System
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803-4514
Per NECHE policy, public comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. The Commission cannot settle disputes between persons and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators, or members of other groups. Comments will not be treated as confidential and must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Public comments must be received by October 5, 2022. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after that date will be considered.
The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
The University underwent a comprehensive evaluation visit in April 2014 by a team representing NEASC’s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The CIHE is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis.
Following the CIHE team’s visit and review, of UMPI’s Self-Study, findings were compiled into a final report and UMPI officials had the opportunity to respond to the report. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 240 institutions in the six-state New England region. UMPI has been accredited by the Commission since 1968 and was previously reviewed in 2003. Its accreditation by NECHE encompasses the entire institution.
