Policy Statement
East Stroudsburg University (ESU) is committed to ensuring the quality, integrity, and transparency of all activities conducted in its name, including those delivered through third-party providers. The University retains ultimate educational responsibility for the management and oversight of any programs or services offered under these arrangements. All third-party relationships must align with ESU’s mission and academic standards.
All such arrangements must be governed by clear written agreements that define each party's roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. These agreements shall conform to best practices in higher education, maximize the partnership's transparency, and comply with applicable laws and accreditation requirements.
East Stroudsburg University will ensure compliance with MSCHE accreditation standards and federal and state regulations in all third-party provider contracts. The University will maintain a comprehensive inventory of third-party provider arrangements and conduct regular assessments of each provider’s performance to safeguard institutional quality and student learning outcomes, as required by Federal law and MSCHE standards.
Reason for Policy
This policy is necessary to ensure East Stroudsburg University’s compliance with accreditation requirements and regulatory obligations. MSCHE emphasizes ethics, integrity, and transparency in all third-party relationships, and this policy provides a clear framework to uphold those values. By establishing governance and oversight of outsourced academic and operational services, the University protects the quality of its programs and the interests of its students.
Appeal Statement/Process: N/A
Definitions
- Third-Party Provider (TPP): Entity, institution, or organization recognized as a third-party Provider in the MSCHE Third Party Provider Policy, with which East Stroudsburg University has a written arrangement or contract to provide services, programs, or functions for the University. Third-party providers include vendors or partners that deliver instruction, student services, or administrative support. This policy applies only to third-party providers designated by the MSCHE third-party provider policy and procedures.
- Written Arrangement: A formal agreement or contract in which ESU outsources specific educational programs or business operations to a third-party provider.
- Outsourcing: An agreement where ESU hires another entity to perform services or programs that could otherwise be provided internally.
- Bundled Services: A set of services offered collectively by a third-party provider under a single written agreement.
Keywords
Third-party provider; outsourcing; contract; accreditation; compliance; transparency; institutional oversight; quality assurance.
Related Policies
- MSCHE Third-Party Providers Policy (Effective Jan. 1, 2024).
- MSCHE Third-Party Providers Procedures (Effective Jan. 1, 2024).
- East Stroudsburg University procurement and contracting policies (e.g. purchasing and expenditure guidelines).
Other Relevant Information
Detailed procedures for reviewing and approving third-party provider relationships are maintained separately in the University’s Third-Party Providers Procedures manual.
Enforcement Body
President, Provost, Vice President for Administration, or their designee.
