nwccu accreditation preliminary visit northwest regional accreditation: principles, practices, and...
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NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Northwest Regional Accreditation:Northwest Regional Accreditation:
Principles, Practices, and Products Principles, Practices, and Products
Ronald L. BakerRonald L. Baker
Executive Vice PresidentExecutive Vice PresidentNorthwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
PurposePurpose
Highlight accreditation principles;
Articulate the evaluation process; and
Provoke thought and promote dialogue on effective self-study practices.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Types of AccreditationTypes of Accreditation
Regional (Institutional)Diverse characteristics and missionsComprehensive institutional reviewMission-based criteria
National (Institutional)Single-purpose or thematic missionComprehensive institutional reviewPurpose-based criteria
Specialized (Programmatic)Specific program or schoolProgram-centered reviewDiscipline-based criteria
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
DefinitionDefinition
Regional accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental, catalytic process of analytic self reflection and peer review that assures educational quality and encourages purposeful improvement through evaluations based on institutional mission, accepted standards of quality, and expectations of the public.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
ScopeScope
Regional accreditation applies to the institution as a whole; not units or individual educational programs
Is not partial
Is not for a fixed period of time
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
EvaluationsEvaluations
Comprehensive decennial evaluation
Regular interim evaluation at midpoint between comprehensive evaluations
*Written Progress Report to address one or more issue
*Written Focused Interim Report and onsite visit to address one or more issue
*discretionary
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
ExpectationsExpectations
Accredited institutions are expected to:
Engage in ongoing planning that leads to accomplishment of identified outcomes;
Evaluate how and how well outcomes are achieved; and
Use assessment results for improvement.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Accreditation AssurancesAccreditation Assurances
Intentions: The institution has clearly defined and appropriate educational objectives consistent with its mission and characteristics.
Capacity: The institution has conditions and resources to achieve its objectives.
Achievement: The institution is substantially accomplishing its mission and purpose.
Sustainability: The institution is organized, staffed, and supported to continue to do so.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
RecognitionRecognition
NWCCU is recognized as a reliable authority on educational quality by:
U.S. Department of Education
CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)
Institutions of higher education
State agencies
Public
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Benefits of AccreditationBenefits of Accreditation
Eligibility for HEA programs
Eligibility for federal funds for categorical programs and services
Fosters transfer of credit
Continuous improvement from regular, systematic, and purposeful assessment
AK
Regional Accrediting Agencies
GuamAmerican Samoa
MicronesiaOther Pacific BasinCountries in Asia
Mexico
District of ColumbiaCanal ZonePuerto Rico
Virgin Islands
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Accredited InstitutionsAccredited Institutions
Native/Degree* Public Tribal Private Total A 56 7 1 64 B 11** 2** 7 20**
M 14 0 27** 41**
D 17 0 12** 29**
98** 9** 47** 154
*Highest Degree Offered**Includes Institutions Accredited at Lower Degree Level and Candidate at This Degree Level
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Candidate InstitutionsCandidate Institutions
Native/Degree* Public Tribal Private Total A 0 0 0 0 B 1** 0 2 3**
M 1 0 0 1 D 0 0 2 2
2** 0 4 6**
*Highest Degree Offered**Includes International Institution
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Geographic Distribution*Geographic Distribution*
A** B** M** D** TotalAlaska 2 0 3 1 6Idaho 3 2 2 3 10Montana 11 3 5 2 21Nevada 1 3 2 3 9Oregon 14 3 16 10 43Utah 4 2 4 4 14Washington 29 9 10 8 56International 0 1 0 0 1
64 23 42 31 160*Accredited and Candidate Institutions**Highest Degree Offered
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Board of CommissionersBoard of Commissioners
Baccalaureate/Graduate Institutions*
Associate Institutions*
General Public
Institutions from Other Regions
Chair
NWCCU President
* Minimum of Seven
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Accreditation CriteriaAccreditation Criteria
Eligibility Requirements - characteristics and conditions required for accreditation.
Standards - criteria by which quality and effectiveness are evaluated.
Related Policies - part of the Standards; provide further definition to the Standard.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
FrameworkFramework
The criteria form a flexible framework of qualitative, catalytic, non-prescriptive statements that enables institutions with divergent missions, philosophies, and characteristics to exhibit essential principles of quality and effectiveness.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
CharacteristicsCharacteristics
Accreditation criteria are not prescriptive. They do not:
Stipulate planning or evaluation methods;
Specify the nature of assessment data;
Define "adequate”, “appropriate”, or “sufficient” since they are influenced by institutional characteristics/mission.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Key Areas Of InterestKey Areas Of Interest
Institutional Planning and Effectiveness(Standard Element 1.B)
Educational Program Planning & Assessment(Standard Element 2.B; Policy 2.2)
General Education/Related Instruction(Policy 2.1)
Distance Education(Policy 2.6)
Advertising, Recruitment, and Representation of Accredited Status
(Policy 3.1)
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Key Areas Of Interest Key Areas Of Interest (continued)(continued)
Faculty Evaluation(Policy 4.1)
Governance System, Board, and Administration(Standard Elements 6.A, 6.B, 6.C)
Financial Planning, Adequacy, and Management(Standard Elements 7.A, 7.B, 7.C)
Contractual Agreements with External Organizations(Policy A-6)
Teach-Out Responsibilities(Including Policy A-13 Teach-Out Agreements)
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Institutional Planning/EffectivenessInstitutional Planning/Effectiveness
Each institution is expected to:
Engage in ongoing planning to achieve its mission and goals;
Evaluate how and how well it is accomplishing its mission and goals; and
Use results for broad-based, continuous planning and evaluation.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Educational AssessmentEducational Assessment
The institution's processes for assessing its educational programs are clearly defined, encompass all of its offerings, are conducted on a regular basis, and are integrated into the overall planning and evaluation plan. Expected learning outcomes are identified and published for each degree and certificate program.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Educational AssessmentEducational Assessment
Regular and systematic assessment documents that students who complete programs, no matter where or how offered, have achieved these outcomes.
The institution provides evidence that its assessment activities lead to the improvement of teaching and learning.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Student Information and PracticesStudent Information and Practices
All candidate and accredited institutions, or individuals acting on their behalf, must exhibit integrity and responsibility in advertising, student recruitment, and representation of accredited status.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
General EducationGeneral Education
Baccalaureate and transfer associate degree programs must include a substantial core of collegiate level General Education with identifiable outcomes in:
Written and oral communication;Quantitative reasoning;Critical analysis and logical thinking; andLiteracy in the discourse or technology appropriate to the program of study.
Outcomes should be stated in relationship to institutional mission and goals.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Related InstructionRelated Instruction
Programs of study for applied or specialized associate degrees or for certificate programs of 45 (q) / 30 (s) credits or more in length require recognizable a body of instruction in program-related areas of:
CommunicationComputationHuman RelationsAdditional topics as appropriate
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Related InstructionRelated Instruction
Related instruction content may be :Embedded within program curricula; orTaught in block units of instruction.
Regardless of approach, it must be:Clearly identified; Pertinent to the program of study; andTaught by faculty who are clearly and appropriately qualified.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Distance EducationDistance Education
This policy is intended to apply to the broadest possible definition of distance delivery of instruction.
Degree programs and credit courses may or may not be delivered exclusively via telecommunications.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Faculty EvaluationFaculty Evaluation
Institutions are expected to conduct some form of substantive performance evaluation of all faculty members at least once within each five-years of service. The evaluation should be collegial, participatory, and use multiple indices of assessment.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Contractual AgreementsContractual Agreements
An accredited or candidate institution may not lend the prestige or authority of its accreditation to authenticate courses or programs offered under contract with other organizations unless it demonstrates oversight and responsibility for those offerings in compliance with Commission standards, principles, and practices.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Teach-Out RequirementsTeach-Out Requirements
An institution is required to provide equitable treatment of students if it closes or discontinues an educational program before all students enrolled in the discontinued program complete it.
It may offer the remaining portion of the program for enrolled students or enter into a teach-out agreement for completion of the program through another institution.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Barometer Of ChangeBarometer Of Change
You can judge your age by the amount of pain you feel when you come in contact with a new idea.
Pearl Buck
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Shift in ExpectationsShift in Expectations
OutcomesImplied Explicit
What does that mean?
AchievementsAssumed Assessed
How do you know?
EvidenceAnecdotal Verifiable
Show me the data!
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Homo AcademicusHomo Academicus
When the center of the universe is discovered, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they aren’t it.
Bernard Bailey
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
ChallengeChallenge
The challenge is for us to see beyond the innumerable fragments to the
whole, stepping back far enough to appreciate how things move and
change as a coherent entity.
Margaret Wheatley
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
MethodologyMethodology
Method consists of two correlative and complementary processes: 1) analysis of complex totalities into their parts; and 2)
synthesis of parts into their totality.
However, the two processes by themselves are imperfect and require each
other for the full development of knowledge and understanding.
Joseph L. Esposito
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
ProcessesProcesses
Analysis - Systematic detailed examination of elements to achieve knowledge of their properties.
Synthesis - Integration of relationships among elements to understand their roles and the purpose of the whole in which they exist.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
TranslationTranslation
An effective self study evaluates:
How units work; and
How they work together.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
CharacteristicsCharacteristics
AnalysisAnalysis
Reductionistic
Take Apart
Isolate
Answer Questions
Knowledge of Function
SynthesisSynthesis
Holistic
Put Together
Correlate
Ask Questions
Understanding of Purpose
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
KnowledgeKnowledge
By their structure the Standards foster analyses of major institutional functions, rather than a synthesis of those functions.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
AssessmentAssessment
IntentionsIntentionsMissionGoals
StrategiesStrategiesPlans
Processes
CapacityResources
Infrastructure
AchievementsAchievementsInstitutional
Student Learning
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
UnderstandingUnderstanding
Understanding of the whole is not possible from analysis of its parts.
Understanding is derived by synthesis of the roles or functions of the parts in the system in which they are contained.
Russell Ackoff
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
SynthesisSynthesis
QualityQualityEducationalInstitutional
StabilityStabilityResourcesOperations
EffectivenessEffectivenessAchievements
Practices
SustainabilitySustainabilityOutcomesExistence
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Quality and AccountabilityQuality and Accountability
Does the institution fulfill its mission?
Are institutional goals achieved?
Are intended outcomes realized?
Do achievements match intentions?
Are the achievements sustainable?
How do you know?
What is your evidence?
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Steering Committee ResponsibilitySteering Committee Responsibility
Accreditation is a joint responsibility.
You are not personally responsible for the accreditation status of your institution.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Self-Study GoalsSelf-Study Goals
Assess, analyze, evaluate, and improve planning and effectiveness in fulfilling institutional and educational missions;
Evaluate and document educational quality and student achievement of outcomes;
Document compliance with accreditation criteria;
Accurately, candidly, directly identify strengths, challenges, and achievements.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Model Self-Study CharacteristicsModel Self-Study Characteristics
Design is appropriate to the institution
Process is inclusive; internally motivated with leaders committed to the process
Critical review of mission, goals, practices
Assesses and evaluates effectiveness in achieving mission & goals
Report is data driven and analytic with a minimum of description
Self-study outcomes inform planning
Power of LeveragePower of Leverage
At cruising speed it is impossible to turn a large ship by applying direct pressure on the rudder. Placing a small movable extension on the rudder’s trailing edge compresses the water flowing past it to create a partial vacuum that pulls the rudder in the desired direction. Thus, a trimtab, small but strategically placed, determines the course of the vessel.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Role Of The Steering CommitteeRole Of The Steering Committee
Identify the “right” questions
Motivate, encourage, support colleagues
Design and translate the study into clearly defined structures, roles, and tasks
Set and enforce a realistic schedule
Establish clear communication channels
Coordinate data collection
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Commendable PracticeCommendable Practice
Culture-sensitive design
Inclusive
Internally motivated
Integrated with institutional initiatives
Evaluates intentions and achievements
Analytic, data driven, evidence based
Results inform and improve practice
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Design StrategiesDesign Strategies
Outcomes-based strategy planning:Identify outcomes for the studyDevelop guiding frameworkDevelop models for componentsDevelop templates for data gatheringDevelop style sheets
Reactionary strategy consequences:Move quickly to data collectionCope with inconsistent unwieldy dataWade through layers of ambiguityFocus on parts, rather than whole
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Conservation of MomentumConservation of Momentum
IssueSynthesis might omit some input which may alienate some constituents
Suggestions
Provide many input/feedback opportunities
Use final report as overarching framework
Keep input intact at department level
Use final report to reengage participants to advance efforts at the departmental level
Self-Study Calendar
The importance of the calendar with specific completion dates cannot be over emphasized.
Tasks will generally take all the time given, so assign reasonable amounts of time to each task and closely monitor progress in completing them.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Self-Study ReportSelf-Study Report
Thorough, comprehensive, and analytic appraisal of the institution.
Clear, concise, and accurate high-definition snapshot of the institution including its history, current situation, and vision for the future.
Evidence that results of the self evaluation are used to enhance its ability to achieve its mission and goals.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Report AttributesReport Attributes
Scholarly, readable, useful treatment
Candid and direct disclosure of reality
Clearly addresses accreditation criteria
Analytic assessment of achievements
Identifies strengths
Identifies areas for improvementDraws evidence-based conclusions and judgments (not a walk in the woods with words)
Articulates plans for improvement
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Suggestions For PracticeSuggestions For Practice
Provide a glossaryBe concise! (200-250 pages + appendices)
Get to the point!Be direct and candid“Speak” in a common voiceFlow should be smooth and logicalSynthesize across unitsProof final copy for errors
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Structure and ContentsStructure and Contents
Preface
Glossary of Terms
Summary of institutional characteristics
Major changes since last evaluation
BRIEF! description of self-study process
Scope of inclusion in the self study
Goals of self study
Address Eligibility Requirements
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Structure and ContentsStructure and Contents
Executive Summary
Succinct comprehensive evaluation
Institutional context
Summary of major findings
Commendations and Recommendations
Plans for improvement
Progress to date
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Structure and ContentsStructure and Contents
Standard ChaptersDo not repeat support documentsBe brief on intentions and descriptionsAssess achievements and analyze dataSupply evidence to support judgmentsProvide a summary, including:
Major findingsCommendations and RecommendationsPlans for improvementProgress to date
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Structure and ContentsStructure and Contents
Summary Chapter
Institutional synthesis across Standards
Major findings
Commendations and Recommendations
Plans for improvement
Progress to date
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Third Party Comment NoticeThird Party Comment Notice
US DOE regulations require an opportunity for third-party comment concerning an institution’s qualifications for accreditation or preaccreditation.
The institution is expected to provide notification to its publics regarding the impending visit and send a verification copy of that public notice to the office of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
34 CFR Section 602.23 (b)
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Preparing for the VisitPreparing for the Visit
Identify an institutional liaison for each member of the visiting committee.
Publish Third Party Comment Notice.
45 days prior to the visit, mail self-study documents to the Commission office and each Committee member.
Organize exhibits in the Committee room.
Gather computers and support resources in the Committee room.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Role of Evaluation CommitteeRole of Evaluation Committee
Review the self-study report
Conduct an onsite visit to validate information in the self-study report
Evaluate the institution against the Commission’s accreditation criteria
Analyze findings
Prepare a written report
Submit a confidential recommendation to the Commission
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Evaluator CharacteristicsEvaluator Characteristics
An evaluator:
Represents the Commission
Volunteers his/her time
Is from an out-of-state institution with similar characteristics
Has specific area(s) of responsibility
Has knowledge of the assigned area(s)
Has completed Commission training
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Anatomy of the VisitAnatomy of the Visit
Day 04:00 p.m. pre-visit meeting
Day 1Introductory MeetingEvaluation ActivitiesPrivate Committee Meeting
Day 2Evaluation ActivitiesPrivate Committee Meeting
Day 3Final Private Committee MeetingChair Meets with PresidentExit Meeting
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Following the VisitFollowing the Visit
The institution may:
Review a draft of the evaluation report to correct factual errors.
Provide a written response to the evaluation report.
Send individuals to represent it when its accreditation is considered
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Use of ResultsUse of Results
Institutions are expected to use their own self-study findings and findings by evaluators to implement actions that lead to improvements in institutional effectiveness and educational quality.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
ConsiderationsConsiderations
In taking action the Commission considers:Institutional report;Evaluation report;Institution’s written response to the evaluation report (if provided);
Committee chair’s comments;Institutional representatives’ comments;Third-party comments;Confidential Recommendation.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
CommendationsCommendations
Commendations recognize noteworthy achievements of the institution.
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
RecommendationsRecommendations
Recommendations identify areas for immediate action by the institution because it:
Does not comply with a standard for accreditation
Complies with a standard, but improvement is required
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Enforcement Of StandardsEnforcement Of Standards(US DOE Recognition Criterion 34 CFR 602.20)(US DOE Recognition Criterion 34 CFR 602.20)
If an institution is found to be out of compliance with any standard for accreditation, the agency must immediately initiate *adverse action against the institution or require it to take appropriate action to bring itself into compliance with the standard within two years, if the longest program it offers is at least two years in length.
*Denial or withdrawal of accreditation or candidate status
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Commission ActionsCommission Actions
Reaffirm Accreditation
Request Progress Report
Request Focused Interim Report/Visit
Remove Sanction
Defer Action
Impose Sanction
Terminate Accreditation or Candidacy
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Typical WeaknessesTypical Weaknesses
Incongruent mission, goals, & activities
Lack of assessment and analysis
No consequences from the self study
Little, if any, use of external data
Data not clearly tied to planning, assessment, or institutional effectiveness
Unsupported statements of apparent fact
Lack of synthesis across Standards
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
What do we believe? (Principles and Values)
What are our intentions? (Mission and Purpose)
What are our aspirations? (Vision)
What do we expect to achieve? (Outcomes)
What does success look like? (Indicators)
How will we proceed? (Planning)
Reflective QuestionsReflective Questions
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
What do we do? (Actions)
How do actions link to planning? (Alignment)
How well are intentions fulfilled? (Integrity)
How do we know? (Assessment)
How do we document findings? (Evidence)
What do we do with results? (Improvement)
Reflective QuestionsReflective Questions
NWCCU Accreditation Preliminary Visit
Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts
Good intentions don’t excuse poor results.Dirk Zeller
Actions speak louder than words.Fran Lebowitz
Never mistake motion for action.Ernest Hemingway
If you’re going through hell, keep going.Winston Churchill