Hampshire College has been re-accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Amherst school was in danger of losing its accreditation or being placed on probation because the NECHE had concerns over its organization and governance and its institutional resources.
At its Nov. 22 meeting, the commission voted to lift a previously placed warning about Hampshire’s organization and governance practices.
“Upholding our accreditation is a critical step toward securing a long future for Hampshire College,” said Hampshire College President Ed Wingenbach in a statement. “As we told NECHE, we see our path forward as ambitious, data-driven, and achievable.”
However, commissioners remain concerned about the school’s finances and will continue to monitor them.
As a result, Hampshire College must submit a full progress report to the board in December 2021.
Earlier this year, the school laid off staff, limited the number of incoming students to this year’s class and began exploring the possibility of a merger.
College officials say they’re now actively recruiting new students for 2020 and hope to achieve full enrollment by 2023-2024.
Hampshire will also launch a fundraising campaign in December, with a goal of raising $60 million by 2024.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2019 WBUR
