What Is Accreditation?
The Council for Higher
Education Accreditation CHEA has many responsibilities. All relate to
advancing the usefulness of accreditation in American higher education. In this
report, the process, characteristics, and the relationship between accrediting
associations and governmental agencies are described.
Accreditation in higher
education is a collegial process based on self and peer assessment for public
accountability and improvement of academic quality. An accreditation of an
academic program or an entire institution typically involves three major
activities:
·
The faculty,
administrators, and staff of the institution or academic program conduct a self
study using the accrediting association's set of expectations about quality
(standards, criteria) as their guide.
·
A team of peers
selected by the accrediting association reviews the evidence, visits the campus
to interview the faculty and staff, and writes a report of its assessment
including a recommendation to the commission of the accrediting association.
·
Guided by a set
of expectations about quality and integrity, the commission (a group of peer
faculty and professionals) reviews the evidence and recommendation, makes a
judgment, and communicates the decision to the institution and other
constituencies if appropriate.
Accreditation is built on
assessment, including both self and peer assessment. Since accreditation begins
with a self study by the faculty of the institution or academic program being
accredited, it involves self examination and study. Peers external to the
institution are also involved in reviewing the self study reports, gathering
additional evidence during a site visit, and judging the quality of the
program. The commission also tries to understand the academic quality of the
institution or program before it makes a judgment. The public announcement is a
demonstration of accountability. "Sitting beside" is a good working
metaphor for accreditation-one party first understanding the other, then making
judgments followed by taking action to fulfill the roles of accountability and
assistance.
What
Are the Defining Characteristics of Accreditation?
In varying degrees,
accreditation in higher education has these characteristics:
·
Accreditation
involves judgments of quality and effectiveness of an institution/program
against a set of expectations (standards, criteria).
·
Accreditation is
a form of non-governmental self-regulation as contrasted to compliance to state
and/or federal rules, regulations, and codes.
·
Accreditation is
grounded in the institution's or program's mission,
history, and sense of purpose.
·
Accreditation
acknowledges and respects the autonomy and diversity of institutions and
programs.
·
Accreditation
provides assurance to the public that accredited institutions and programs meet
or exceed established public expectations (standards) of quality.
·
Accreditation is
the responsibility of an external commission.
·
Faculty
involvement is essential to valid accreditation.
·
Accreditation is
conducted on a cyclic basis, usually 5-10 years. Shorter cycles are used when
serious problems are noted.
·
Accreditation
recently has emphasized student learning and development as an important
criterion of effectiveness and quality.
What
Is the Role of CHEA in Accreditation?
The Council for Higher
Education Accreditation (CHEA) does not accredit individual institutions or
academic programs, but recognizes accreditation associations through its review
process. CHEA recognition supports the credibility of the collegial process;
accrediting associations are judged by their peers. CHEA recognition maintains
the tradition of voluntary non-governmental accreditation.
What
Is the Role of the United States Department of Education?
The USDE also does not
accredit individual institutions or academic programs, but approves
accreditation associations.. The National Advisory
Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity of the USDE reviews
accrediting agencies and state approval agencies for USDE approval.. The Secretary of Education determines if the accrediting
association is a reliable authority on the quality of education or training
offered. Associations need USDE approval before the institutions they accredit
can be eligible to participate in Federal programs (e.g. student financial
assistance).
How
Does Accreditation Relate to State Licensure?
An institution must receive
approval from a state before it can conduct business. Obtaining a state license
often does not require demonstration of quality nor accreditation before it can
operate.
State licensure also permits
individuals to practice the profession in the state once they meet minimal
academic requirements. They must take a thorough examination to demonstrate a
desired level of competence. In some professions, (e.g. law, medicine,
dentistry) students must graduate from an accredited institution or program
before they can take the state licensure exams.
Who
Conducts Accreditation of American Higher Education?
Private non-governmental
organizations (known as accrediting associations, agencies, or bodies) are
responsible for accrediting institutions and academic programs. Organizations
that accredit entire institutions are called institutional or regional
associations. The
Academic programs that are
administratively located in a degree or non-degree granting institutions are
accredited by about 50 associations which are called specialized and/or
professional. These include academic programs in the professions such as law,
engineering, teaching, and health science and professional fields. The quality
of the professional preparation of the students is the focus