Bryant University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE, formerly NEASC). This important accreditation includes a comprehensive evaluation every 10 years as part of a continual review and quality improvement process. The comprehensive evaluation consists of a year-long institutional self-study culminating in a written report to NECHE, a campus visit from an eight-member NECHE evaluating team, and the Commission’s review of both the Institutional Self-Study and the Visit Team Report.
On November 20, NECHE confirmed Bryant’s 10-year reaccreditation with a very positive review. The NECHE Visit Team also had high praise for the University’s fall reopening, acknowledging Bryant’s agility and noting that the team was profoundly impressed by the University's pandemic response integrating scientific rigor and empathy.
“Bryant has a strong spirit of camaraderie and commitment. … It is evident that the institution’s mission permeates every effort made.” – NECHE
Bryant underwent its self-study in preparation for the comprehensive evaluation in 2018-2019 and submitted its report to NECHE in February 2020. More than 100 members of the Bryant community participated in the self-study process and report writing. Following an extensive NECHE Visit Team review this September, postponed from spring due to COVID-19 and conducted both on site and virtually, President Ross Gittell and Provost Glenn Sulmasy appeared before the Commission in mid-November. The review cited areas of strength including the Professional MBA online, Bryant’s strong undergraduate enrollment, international programming, outward-facing website and renewed commitment to communications, and recent initiatives to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion.
There are a small number of areas for which Bryant will be providing updates over the course of its 10-year accreditation: assessment; diversity, equity and inclusion; and shared governance. Attention to these areas will be points of focus as Bryant moves forward with Vision 2030 strategic planning.
NECHE’s very positive review is notable given the timing – the extensive review took place during a pandemic and at a time of transition in Bryant’s presidency and Board of Trustee leadership. The strong positive comments and overall assessment of Bryant during these challenging times reflect the Board’s strong leadership and the exceptional commitment and contributions of the Bryant community over the last 10 years.
