Slide 1 1 ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES Comprehensive self studyComprehensive self study Approval of programs Approval of programs overseasoverseas 2 Self regulation depends on trust Collaborative Setting[.]
ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES Comprehensive self-study Approval of programs overseas Self-regulation depends on trust Collaborative Setting of Standards Broad qualitative aspirations for variety of missions Not quantitative prescriptions Candid self-evaluation and reporting Openness to Peer Review Collegial critiques, not a “weeding out” Focused on helping institutions become more effective An ongoing “dialogue” with Commission •Candidacy first •Initial accreditation for years •10-year cycle for comprehensive SelfStudy •Annual report •5th year report •Progress reports and interim visits •Notification and review of Substantive Change Self-regulation between visits •Warning, probation, termination are The Self-Study • Community participation • 12-24 months • Institutional context • Gathering and considering evidence “Data First” • Analysis • Telling the institutional “story” Comprehensive Self-Study Institutional mission is Based on the Standards important Self-study report by the institution Visit by a team of peer experts Team report Plus public comments Institutional response Decision by the Commission (Follow-up report possible) 3-part format DESCRIPTION: what we do? Succinct! APPRAISAL: how well we it? Analysis of strengths, concerns PROJECTION: what we commit to do? Specific plans to address challenges Appraisal and Projection are the most important App Candor To demonstrate institutional strength As part of The Surprise Reduction Program! open, objective, straightforward, unconcealed, forthright Characteristics of an effective self-study •Useful •Participatory •Analytical •Concise •Candid Benefits of Self-Study Process Standards as a framework for measuring quality Promote habits of planning and review Support data-based decisionmaking Emphasize focus on mission Consider inputs, processes, outcomes Substantive Change Federal regulations distance education branch campuses, additional locations ( not study abroad) change of ownership, merger change of mission higher, lower, or substantially different degree contractual relationship Substantive change request Requires Commission approval months prior to implementation Requires on-site evaluation visit 10 Approval of overseas programs NEASC Principles of Good Practice Institutional capacity Home institution control, responsibility Legal authority in country Cultural sensitivity Equivalent academic quality, faculty oversight Credit transfer to home institution English language proficiency Student services Public disclosure 11 STEPS IN THE PROCESS Institution submits proposal (plus prior discussion) Addresses academic quality, faculty credentials, student services, financial capacity, English language requirements Commission reviews proposal, considers institution’s experience abroad Decision - May defer, deny, or approve Site visit within months Experienced evaluators spend days on-site Evaluate program against the Standards for Accreditation Must be equivalent to program offered at home campus May require teach-out if implemented before approval 12 Challenges and benefits as institutions become more global Financial – it’s expensive to maintain quality Administrative - different business practices Academic values Subsidies from home institution, local government U.S student tuition Local student tuition Academic freedom, transparency, individualism, liberal arts Lecture styles, sharing answers, career training Institutional – integrated or peripheral to mission? 13 Cautions Degree mills Growth prompted by opportunity Increasing students, money, professional requirements Internet advertising makes it easy Accreditation mills are proliferating Not enough to know it is “accredited” http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Non-accreditedSchools_78090_7.p df http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accreditation_mill http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx 14 How to recognize degree mill Degree can be earned in little time Little or no attendance, coursework Emphasis on college credit for “real world experience” Reputable institutions limit that Tuition by degree rather than credit Name similar to well-known, reputable institution No information about governance, ownership No contact information except P.O box “Accredited” by agency not recognized by CHEA or DOE 15 Let the buyer beware Verify quality elements: Curriculum Faculty credentials, pedagogy Student support Library resources Administration, MOU, finance Ethical recruitment 16 ... transfer to home institution English language proficiency Student services Public disclosure 11 STEPS IN THE PROCESS Institution submits proposal (plus prior discussion) Addresses... DOE 15 Let the buyer beware Verify quality elements: Curriculum Faculty credentials, pedagogy Student support Library resources Administration, MOU, finance Ethical recruitment 16 ... Requires Commission approval months prior to implementation Requires on-site evaluation visit 10 Approval of overseas programs NEASC Principles of Good Practice Institutional capacity