Do’s and Don’t's of Accreditation Visits

Barbara Ford

San Francisco State University

Accreditation Coordinator’s

Perspective

Preparing the Unit

Do: Have Knowledge of the Process and the

Unit Have a Team Communicate with everyone Develop Plan A, B, and C Plan Early

Do Have Knowledge of: Process Prior Experience Accreditation

Frameworks

Unit All Programs Committees All support

Staff/Offices Unit processes Faculty personalities

Do: Have a Team With a representative from each area With experienced team members With an understanding of the process With roles and responsibilities during the

visit

Do: Have Ongoing Communication With: Consultants Team Leaders Site Team Unit Faculty, Staff, Students University Personnel Community

The Visit Do:

Expect the unexpected

The VisitDo: Prepare to be “on” 24/7 Be ready to implement Plan A, B, and/or C Involve Team Several contact points Listen Use the Consultants and Team Leaders

Do: Remember

When the visit is over the accreditation process isn’t!