Florida CIE Approves MSCHE Application for Recognition

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) received notice on August 25, 2021, that its application for License by Means of Accreditation (LBMA) was approved by the Florida Department of Education Commission for Independent Education (Florida CIE).

Florida CIE Executive Director Samuel L. Ferguson noted that MSCHE is now an “approved agency for institutions to apply for Licensure by Means of Accreditation pursuant to Rule 6E-2.002(3)(a), F.A.C. and Section 1005.32, Florida Statutes.”

The recognition helps pave the way for MSCHE institutions to quickly be recognized or have their licensure renewed by Florida CIE since those institutions already meet MSCHE’s accreditation requirements as they are substantially equivalent to CIE’s licensure standards. Currently, 38 MSCHE institutions are doing business in Florida requiring licensure.

“The Commission would like to thank Executive Director Ferguson and the Florida Department of Education Commission for Independent Education for considering and approving our application,” said MSCHE President Dr. Heather Perfetti. “We look forward to a longstanding partnership with Florida CIE which ultimately benefits our institutions educating students in Florida.”

The Commission for Independent Education has statutory responsibilities in matters relating to nonpublic, postsecondary, educational institutions. In keeping with the Florida Department of Education’s goal of producing a seamless educational system, some of these functions include consumer protection, program improvement, institutional policies and administration, data management, and the licensure of independent schools, colleges and universities.

In addition to Dr. Perfetti, Assistant Director for Institutional Support Services Ms. Diana Bonner, Senior Director for Regulatory Affairs Ms. Mary Beth Kait, and Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Stephen Pugliese appeared before the Committee on July 26 and then participated in the Florida CIE commission meeting leading to the approval.