Greetings to the Goddard community,

I’m writing to you with wonderful news from our recent meeting with the New England Commission for Higher Education (NECHE) this Thursday, September 24. 

While I don’t have an official letter or details to share yet, I have received notification from the President of NECHE that the Commission voted to continue our accreditation and remove Goddard College from probation. I am overjoyed to share this news!

This result would not have been possible without the dedication, wisdom, and support of this entire community.

Thank you to the students whose participation in this community is an ongoing vote of support for the vision and mission of Goddard College, and for the courage to embrace this distinct model of education.

Thank you to staff whose work is often unnoticed, but is crucial to serving and supporting students, and for the ongoing life of the College.

Thank you to the faculty who mentor, advise, and support the students; and who join in co-creating a rich and vibrant learning community. 

Thank you to the many alumni and friends of the College whose letters of support, financial support, and creative work and life in the world point to the distinct mission, vision, and values of Goddard College.

Thank you to the many and varied leaders in this Goddard community who strive to serve, support, and remove barriers to success.

Thank you to the present and past board members for your leadership, vision, and accountability.

Thank you to all of the faculty, staff, students, board members, and friends of Goddard who came before us; those whose work and contributions continue to inform our present and future.

Given that we were on probation for financial resources, NECHE will be closely monitoring our progress regarding standard 7, Institutional  Resources. They will be looking for evidence that we are accomplishing the goals in our Strategic Plan, like our academic redesign work, our progress toward building cash reserves, and our ability to operate with a balanced budget. With continued collaboration, we can and will remain in good standing with NECHE.

At this moment, I hope you will join me in celebrating!

This is a significant recognition of the incredible work of many in our community from an external organization. I am confident we will find more ways to celebrate while continuing the important work of stabilizing and strengthening Goddard College. It is a joy to have this surge of optimism that we are well on our way to creating a thriving Goddard College that will serve students for future generations.

The official NECHE letter with details of the decision may not arrive for one to two months. When that happens, I will share any relevant information with the community.

With gratitude,

Bernard Bull

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