STONE RIDGE, N.Y. – June 30, 2026 – Today, the Middle States Commission
on Higher Education (MSCHE) has reaffirmed SUNY Ulster’s accreditation through
2034, marking the most successful accreditation review in the College's history. The
decision confirms that SUNY Ulster meets all seven of MSCHE’s Standards for
Accreditation following a comprehensive three-year institutional self-study and an
intensive on-site visit by the MSCHE peer evaluation team representing eight colleges
and universities.MSCHE accreditation is a comprehensive review that evaluates an institution’s
educational quality, governance, planning, financial sustainability, and overall
effectiveness in fulfilling its mission and supporting student success. During its March
2026 campus visit, the evaluators concluded that SUNY Ulster met each of MSCHE’s
seven accreditation standards.
on Higher Education (MSCHE) has reaffirmed SUNY Ulster’s accreditation through
2034, marking the most successful accreditation review in the College's history. The
decision confirms that SUNY Ulster meets all seven of MSCHE’s Standards for
Accreditation following a comprehensive three-year institutional self-study and an
intensive on-site visit by the MSCHE peer evaluation team representing eight colleges
and universities.MSCHE accreditation is a comprehensive review that evaluates an institution’s
educational quality, governance, planning, financial sustainability, and overall
effectiveness in fulfilling its mission and supporting student success. During its March
2026 campus visit, the evaluators concluded that SUNY Ulster met each of MSCHE’s
seven accreditation standards.
In addition to reaffirming accreditation, the evaluation team recognized SUNY
Ulster for exemplary practices, which earned the College five commendations in five
areas, highlighting the College's student-centered culture, commitment to continuous
improvement, and strategic focus on serving the emerging populations in Ulster County.
The team praised the College’s thoughtful use of assessment to strengthen shared
governance, as well as the extraordinary dedication of its faculty and staff. In one of its
strongest endorsements, the evaluators noted that students feel deeply engaged, seen,
and supported, a reflection of the caring, transformative educational experience that
defines SUNY Ulster.
“This is a proud moment for SUNY Ulster,” said President Alison Buckley, Ed.D.
“This marks the most successful accreditation review in the College’s history. Earning
reaccreditation for the maximum eight-year term while also receiving recognition for
exemplary practices in five areas reflects the extraordinary talent, dedication, and hard
work of our faculty, staff, and campus community. This achievement reflects the
collective efforts of our entire campus community, with outstanding leadership from
Professors Penny Rifenburgh and Steven Schimmrich and Assistant Librarian Tess
Hartman-Cullen, who guided the self-study process with exceptional skill and
dedication. I am especially gratified that the visiting team recognized what makes SUNY
Ulster so special: a transformative educational experience where every student is seen,
valued, and supported. That recognition affirms our mission and inspires us to continue
creating opportunities that change lives and strengthen our community.”The successful reaffirmation reflects the contributions of faculty, staff,
administrators, trustees, students, alumni, and community partners who participated
throughout the self-study process and concludes a three-year process that engaged 67
faculty, staff, and administrators serving on seven working groups.
“This marks the most successful accreditation review in the College’s history. Earning
reaccreditation for the maximum eight-year term while also receiving recognition for
exemplary practices in five areas reflects the extraordinary talent, dedication, and hard
work of our faculty, staff, and campus community. This achievement reflects the
collective efforts of our entire campus community, with outstanding leadership from
Professors Penny Rifenburgh and Steven Schimmrich and Assistant Librarian Tess
Hartman-Cullen, who guided the self-study process with exceptional skill and
dedication. I am especially gratified that the visiting team recognized what makes SUNY
Ulster so special: a transformative educational experience where every student is seen,
valued, and supported. That recognition affirms our mission and inspires us to continue
creating opportunities that change lives and strengthen our community.”The successful reaffirmation reflects the contributions of faculty, staff,
administrators, trustees, students, alumni, and community partners who participated
throughout the self-study process and concludes a three-year process that engaged 67
faculty, staff, and administrators serving on seven working groups.
Board of Trustees Chair Robert Jacobsen congratulated the College community
on the achievement.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for SUNY Ulster, and the Board of
Trustees is proud to congratulate President Buckley, our faculty, staff, and everyone
who contributed to this outstanding result. Reaccreditation at this level is earned
through years of dedication and a shared commitment to doing what's best for students.
The visiting team’s recognition of the College’s caring culture, strong governance, and
commitment to continuous improvement confirms what we have long known—that
SUNY Ulster is changing lives and making a meaningful difference throughout Ulster
County. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
on the achievement.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for SUNY Ulster, and the Board of
Trustees is proud to congratulate President Buckley, our faculty, staff, and everyone
who contributed to this outstanding result. Reaccreditation at this level is earned
through years of dedication and a shared commitment to doing what's best for students.
The visiting team’s recognition of the College’s caring culture, strong governance, and
commitment to continuous improvement confirms what we have long known—that
SUNY Ulster is changing lives and making a meaningful difference throughout Ulster
County. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is an independent
institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that serves as a
definitive voice in higher education. Through a peer-review process, MSCHE promotes
educational excellence and institutional effectiveness across a diverse membership of
colleges and universities.
institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that serves as a
definitive voice in higher education. Through a peer-review process, MSCHE promotes
educational excellence and institutional effectiveness across a diverse membership of
colleges and universities.
About SUNY Ulster
SUNY Ulster is a community college of the State University of New York, serving Ulster
County and the Hudson Valley with high-quality, affordable education to over six
thousand students annually. The college offers transfer and career programs, workforce
training, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college,
careers, and their communities.# # #
SUNY Ulster is a community college of the State University of New York, serving Ulster
County and the Hudson Valley with high-quality, affordable education to over six
thousand students annually. The college offers transfer and career programs, workforce
training, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college,
careers, and their communities.# # #