CASTINE – Maine Maritime Academy officials are inviting the public to add their voice to a comprehensive self-study of the college that is part of the regular New England re-accreditation process.

The college will undergo an evaluation visit this fall by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. NEASC last accredited MMA for a 10-year period in 1996.

The self-study has been under way for about two years and, in preparation for the visit, the public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution.

The re-accreditation process reviews the entire institution, and volunteers from throughout the college formed 11 self-study committees to examine a different aspect of the college, ranging from academic programs to the physical plant.

More than 75 students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees have contributed to a substantial report which critically examines how the college meets its academic mission. The report also identifies strengths and weakness with a goal of continuous improvement.

A draft of MMA’s comprehensive self-study is available online for public review at http://neasc.mma.edu. Comments regarding the draft can be made through the Web site or in writing to Dr. John Barlow, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, 04420.

Comments sent directly to MMA are due by Aug. 14, 2006. Correspondence should be clearly labeled on the envelope and within the subject line: NEASC Public Comment on Maine Maritime Academy.

The public also may submit comments regarding the institution directly to the Commission: Public Comment on Maine Maritime Academy, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 209 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730-1433. Comments sent directly to the Commission are due by Nov. 15, 2006.

The public comment phase of the re-accreditation is not designed to settle disputes between individuals and the college.