Commission Compliance report for accreditation report of evaluation team Spring 2021

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:

I request the comprehensive evaluation visit from March 28-31, 2021, by a team representing the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, NEASC).report that determined Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532-3400 United States, is in compliance with the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation as a result of its review of the institution’s self-study. I request the report of the evaluation team, and the response of Massachusetts Maritime Academy to the team report. The institution was continued in accreditation as the result of this comprehensive evaluation. In making this judgment the Commission gives principal attention  to the statement of the standard for each of the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation, I would like the complete report including those comments solicited by Massachusetts Maritime Academy which were outlined as public comment.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Daralyn Heywood

I would like to appeal. NECHE was paid by MMA to perform a service. MMA is a public university. Why wouldn't you want to share the educational expertise? Why are they not subject to public records request? Must they inform, if they are not subject, if they have the materials? If you could assist I would be grateful. Daralyn

Dear NECHE,

Do you have documents that are responsive to my request and would you please explain why the New England Commission of Higher Education is not subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law? Is there another place these documents can be read? I appreciate the cooperation and reply.

Thank you in advance,
Daralyn Heywood