Benefits of Accreditation
The process of preparing a self-study presents the school or program an opportunity to examine
its mission and how it is being achieved. The self-study provides a directed, quality-based set
of core values and concepts about what a school or program should be. Through this exercise,
member schools have found both reaffirmation and redirection of their mission. Perhaps the most
important aspect of a self-study is the renewal of purpose in faculty, students, and administrators.
While accreditation is the primary goal, the journey can be the greater achievement.
Recognition of the unit through ICHEA accreditation contributes to a more positive review by regional
accrediting bodies, since specialized accreditation confirms quality programming in specific divisions.
Institutions have reported increased contributions and gifts from the corporate sector as a result
of the prestige and credibility derived from accreditation.
Students can use accreditation as an external benchmark to evaluate the quality and value of their
educational experience. Some employers will only provide financial support to employees studying
for advanced degrees at accredited schools.
Faculty who hold high personal standards for their teaching and research are assured they are being
recruited to join an institution that maintains and supports quality education. When a program has
been validated by peers from across the nation, accreditation creates a sense of pride among the
faculty.
Faculty members at accredited institutions are encouraged to become evaluators and participate in
site visits, sharing ideas on curriculum development, exposing faculty to a global network of
education specialists, and providing opportunities for schools to stay current in quality procedures.
Accreditation is achieving greater prominence as a valued tool in the work of certain regulatory
agencies. Employers, licensing bodies, and regulatory agencies are reassured by the quality standards
embodied in ICHEA accreditation standards.
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