Accreditation

Accreditation

The University of Maine at Farmington is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

UMF Accreditation: NECHE Approved

The University of Maine at Farmington is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a nationally recognized accrediting body. This accreditation means UMF meets rigorous standards of quality in academics, resources, and integrity—assuring students and families that the education and support provided are of the highest standard. Accreditation applies to the entire institution, ensuring the value of a UMF degree now and in the future.

NECHE Comprehensive Evaluation & Public Comment

In October 2022, the University of Maine System, including UMF, underwent a comprehensive evaluation by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). As part of this process, NECHE invited public comments focused on the quality of the institution. The comment period closed on October 5, 2022.

NECHE, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits over 220 institutions in New England and abroad. The University of Maine System has been accredited by NECHE since July 2020, covering all seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law. Accreditation assures students, families, and the public that UMS meets rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and institutional effectiveness.

CAEP Standards for Educator Preparation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) sets rigorous standards to ensure that educator preparation programs produce competent, caring teachers and maintain a culture of continuous improvement. These standards emphasize both the quality of graduates and the provider’s capacity to sustain and enhance program excellence.

The five CAEP Standards focus on:

  1. Content and Pedagogical Knowledge

  2. Clinical Partnerships and Practice

  3. Candidate Quality, Recruitment, and Selectivity

  4. Program Impact

  5. Provider Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Capacity

Together, they provide the framework for evaluating program effectiveness and guiding accreditation decisions.

Call for Third Party Comments