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.