From the Commie Archives: (May 20, 1948; Volume 27, Issue 5) — Middle States Association Accredits Yeshiva University

Editor's Note: As Yeshiva University waits for the Middle States Committee on Higher Education to re-accredit the University in November, we took a look back to when Yeshiva College was first accredited. In the same edition that discusses the establishment of the State of Israel, YC students wrote joyfully and energetically about the future of their college — the very future that we’re living. 

Dr. Samuel Belkin, president of Yeshiva University, announced last week that the school had been notified of its accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities. This recognition means that Yeshiva University courses or diplomas will be accepted by all the members of the associations. 

Accompanying the notice of accreditation was a report on our school by the investigating committee. The following are several excerpts from their report.

"Without exception, the Instructors appeared to be not only versed in their fields (for the most part with Ph.D. degrees from various universities), but also good teachers; relationship between students and teachers congenial; the students serious, attentive, actively participating in discussion, interested, and alert. One soon became aware of the splendid esprit de corps, doubtlessly nourished by the common cultural heritage fostered by their Yeshiva discipline. ·

"The following observations are pertinent: The attitude of the students is serious, scholarly and co-operative. They are pleased with and enthusiastic about the college. The college seems to have no serious attendance or disciplinary problems.

"The student activity program is a healthy one. It includes some Inter-collegiate activity. The stu- dent publications are definitely superior. The present social activities are satisfactory.”

"It is the opinion of the members of the Committee that Yeshiva College  Is doing a very satisfactory educational job. The proof of the worth of a program is the product and the evidence ln the product of the effects of the program. The students of Yeshiva are alert, able, purposeful. The graduates are successful both in university and professional life."

Dr. Belkin, commenting on the accreditation, said:

"The accreditation of our College by the Middle States Association of Colleges is the most significant event in the history of Yeshiva College. The Report of Inspection by the Committee of famous educators, who spent three days in our midst, is brilliant in content and most encouraging for the future development of Yeshiva University. It seems that the five distinguished non-Jewish scholars have really grasped the 'soul' of our institution, and were greatly impressed by our pioneering and trail blazing efforts. They were unanimously enthused by the attentiveness and alertness of our student-body, by the gradual realization of our educational philosophy,  by the truly scholarly faculty. 

Accreditation 

Ever since we received our university charter from the State of New York, the administration has been building up the various departments and facilities in order to meet the requirements of the numerous college associations. Several months ago the officials decided that we had progressed sufficiently and so applications were made for the admittance to the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. A committee was set to investigate us and students waited with bated breath for the decision. After several weeks of hoping and praying, the good news arrived; Yeshiva University had been fully accredited. 

Aside from the many material benefits which will accrue to the students as a result of this decision, there is a much profound significance to this statement. It means that the only Jewish university in the diaspora has been placed on an equal academic footing with some of the finest colleges in the country and that those students who are preparing for the rabbinate or the field of Jewish education will receive a secular education that is recognized to be of high quality. Congratulations are in order for Dr. Belkin and the other administrators who aided in achieving this goal, and tribute must be paid to Dr. Revel, of sainted memory, who had the foresight to realize the need for an institution such as ours and who devoted his life to realizing his dream. 

However, accreditation is not the only forward. Also on the list of improvements that have either been completed or almost finished are the equipping of a lounge in the Riets Hall buildings, the setting up of both sports and study facilities on the roof, and the repairing of the passageway leading from the college to the dormitory. We are also grateful for the support being given to the various end-of-the-term affairs. 

The Commentator feels a sense of pride because many of the projects were first suggested by our paper. We are sure that the constant use by our students of the new facilities will prove their usefulness. 

Photo Caption: The Commentator Archives

Photo Credit: The Commentator