Preparing for THE Visit:

the PA Role in the Institutional Accreditation

Report and Visit

Ellie A. Fogarty, Ed.D., Vice President

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Agenda

Overview of Accreditation in the US Role of Government in Quality Assurance The Regional Accreditation Process

Preparing for a Successful Visit Role of the President and PA Supporting the Board

Your President as a Team Chair

Overview of Accreditation in US

System of peer review among member institutions by volunteer peer evaluators against agreed-upon standards and processes, with respect for institutional mission, for the purposes of quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Accrediting agencies are non-profit, non-governmental, voluntary membership organizations.

Overview of US Accreditation Types of Accreditation

Seven Regional Accreditors Examine entire institution

Similar standards

Specialized and Professional Accreditors Specific programs

National Accreditors Degree-granting & non-degree granting institutions

across the U.S.

Specialized type of institutions, e.g. theological seminaries, career preparation colleges

Role of Government in Quality Assurance

State Government Licensure of institutions to grant degrees

Federal Government Provision of loans/grants to students at

accredited institutions

The Regional Accreditation Process

Self-Study by the College or University

Visits by Teams of Peer Evaluators

Types of Accreditation Actions

Describe the quality assurance mechanisms at your university. Where are you in the review cycle?

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

Preparing for a Successful Visit Mission-centered Institutional Commitment Expertise Resources Timeframe Responsibility

Think of recent example of a high profile event on your campus. What made it successful or challenged its success?

Preparing for a Successful Visit

Role of the President and PA

Appoint & Charge Steering Committee

Meet with Team Chair

Welcome Team Set Tone on Campus Respond to Team

Report

Read, Read, Read Handle Logistics Assist Steering

Committee Work with Team

Chair (or PA) Organize

Documents

President President’s Assistant

Supporting the Board

Governance Standard Role of the Board in the Bylaws Regular Board Review Policy Oversight

Certification Statement Endorsement or Approval of Self-Study

Report Logistics

Describe the traditional approach to campus-wide initiatives at your university. What are the implications for the institutional accreditation process? How can you honor your campus culture and demonstrate to your constituents the importance of accreditation? What barriers can be removed or what incentives can be provided?

Roles and Responsibilities

Your President as Team Chair

Opportunity Training Support from Accrediting Agency Your Role Number of Trips Working with Team Members

Identify 2 accreditation issues you want to look at more closely when you return to your campus. Why did these 2 issues come to mind? What can you do to begin the conversation?

Name 2 people you want to talk with about accreditation issues when you return to your campus. What did you learn today that you might share with them?

Next Steps

Ellie A. Fogarty, Ed.D.efogarty@msche.org

Questions?