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Recognition Purposes and Requirements
ICHEA recognition of accrediting organizations has three basic purposes:
(1) To confirm that accrediting organizations have standards that advance academic quality
in higher education; that those standards emphasize student achievement and high expectations
of teaching and learning, research, and service; and that those standards are developed within
the framework of institutional mission.
(2) To confirm that accrediting organizations have standards that ensure accountability through
consistent, clear, and coherent communication to the public and the higher education community
about the results of educational efforts. Accountability also includes a commitment by the
accrediting organization to involve the public in accreditation decision-making.
(3) To confirm that accrediting organizations have standards that encourage institutions to plan,
where needed, for purposeful change and improvement; to develop and sustain activities that anticipate
and address needed change; to stress student achievement; and to ensure long-range institutional
viability.
ICHEA acknowledges, respects, and is committed to the enhancement of the mission of accrediting
organizations. IACUE has responsibility to advance, through the recognition process, the quality
and public understanding of accreditation and of recognized accrediting organizations
ICHEA¡¦s primary responsibility is quality assurance. Accrediting organizations that seek IACUE
recognition must demonstrate the quality of their activities and the pertinence and value of their
activities to higher education and the public interest.
Applicants for recognition shall supply information to enable ICHEA to determine whether recognition
is warranted and what the scope of recognition shall be, including:
¡P
a clear statement of proposed scope of accreditation activity
¡P
a clear statement of the accrediting organization¡¦s purposes and why those purposes are in the public interest
¡P
a description of the accrediting organization and its activities; the quality, pertinence and value
of those activities; and the ways in which those activities serve higher education and the public
interest.
Accrediting organizations that seek recognition by ICHEA must demonstrate that they meet ICHEA
eligibility requirements and recognition standards.
To be eligible for ICHEA recognition, the accreditation organization must:
¡P
demonstrate that the organization¡¦s mission and scope are consistent with the ICHEA institutional
eligibility and recognition policy, including that a majority of the institutions and programs
accredited by the organization grant higher education degrees. The Policy provides, in part, that
the recognition process will place increasing emphasis on the effectiveness of accrediting
organizations in assuring academic quality of institutions;
¡P
accredit institutions that have legal authority to confer higher education degrees;
¡P
have written procedures that describe, officially and publicly,
¡P
the organization¡¦s decision-making processes, policies, and procedures, that lead
to accreditation actions, and
¡P
the scope of accreditation that may be granted, evaluative criteria (standards or characteristics)
used, and levels of accreditation status conferred;
¡P
have procedures that include a self-evaluation by the institution and on-site review by a visiting
team, or have alternative processes that ICHEA considers to be valid;
¡P
demonstrate independence from any parent entity or sponsoring entity for making
judgments related to accreditation status; and
¡P
have a specified and fair appeals process that authorizes continuation of current accreditation
status of the institution until an appeal decision is rendered.
When seeking recognition, the accrediting organization must address five IACUE standards that
correspond ICHEA purposes:
Advances academic quality;
Demonstrates accountability;
Encourages purposeful change and needed improvement;
Employs appropriate and fair procedures in decision-making; and
Continually reassesses accreditation practices
Advancing academic quality is at the core of voluntary accreditation. "Academic quality" refers
to results associated with teaching, learning, research, and service, within the framework of
institutional mission. To be recognized, the accrediting organization must provide evidence that
it has:
¡P
a clear definition of academic quality in the context of its mission;
¡P
clear expectations that the institutions have processes to determine whether quality standards are being met;
¡P
proceses that encourage institutions to relate quality indicators to planning, assessment, and
improvement strategies; and
¡P
expectations of institutional academic quality that are consistent with institutional mission.
The accrediting organization must demonstrate public accountability in two ways. It must have standards
that call for institutions to provide consistent, reliable information about academic quality and
student achievement and thus to foster continuing public confidence and investment. Second, the
accrediting organization itself must maintain and encourage public involvement in its decision-making
related to quality and accountability. Representatives of the public may include students, parents,
persons from businesses and the professions, elected and appointed officials, and others. To be
recognized, the accrediting organization must provide evidence that it has:
¡P
expectations that institutions routinely provide reliable data and information to the public on
their performance;
¡P
policies and procedures that include representatives of the public in decision-making and policy setting;
¡P
implemented procedures that inform the public of accreditation decisions; and
¡P
appropriate processes to respond to legitimate public concerns and complaints.
The accrediting organization must encourage, within its institutions, planning for purposeful change,
and scrutiny for needed improvement through ongoing self-examination. Such planning and self-scrutiny
shall entail thoughtful assessment of quality (especially student achievement) in the context of the
institution¡¦s mission. Encouragement of such planning and self-scrutiny should not be confused with a
demand for additional resources. Such planning and self-scrutiny are means to enhance the usefulness of
accreditation, notably for institutions with a long history of successful accreditation that wish to
use the review to help address specific institutional changes and improvement goals they have
identified. To be recognized, the accrediting organization must provide evidence that it has:
¡P
policies and procedures that stress self-examination and self-analysis by institutions;
¡P
policies and procedures that stress planning and implementing strategies for change, and that call
for scrutiny for needed improvement in the context of institutional mission and resources;
¡P
expectations that encourage responsible institutional innovation and experimentation; and
¡P
policies and procedures that clearly distinguish between actions required for accreditation and actions that are considerations for improvement.
The accrediting organization must maintain appropriate and fair policies and procedures that include
effective checks and balances. The accreditation process shall include ongoing participation by higher
education professionals and the public in decision-making about accreditation policies and procedures.
To be recognized, the accrediting organization must provide evidence that it has:
¡P
policies and procedures for its decision-making that are not subject to
interference from professional organizations and special interest groups;
¡P
policies and procedures that require participation by higher education professionals and the public; and
¡P
policies and procedures that foster reasonable consistency in accreditation reviews of varying institutions.
Even as higher education institutions undertake self-assessment to maintain and improve quality,
accrediting organizations need self-scrutiny of their accrediting activities, including review to
determine if resources are adequate to accomplish the accredited mission. Such review should also
include examination of the accredited impact on institutions and responsiveness to the broader
accreditation community, including its willingness to conduct cooperative institutional reviews
with accreditation colleagues. To be recognized, the accrediting organization must provide evidence
that it has:
¡P
sufficient staff and financial resources to implement and sustain effective
accrediting procedures;
¡P
ongoing critical self-review that encourages responsiveness, flexibility, and accountability when
the accrediting organization works with institutions and the public;
¡P
working relationships, where appropriate, with other accrediting organizations
to encourage cooperative reviews;
¡P
ongoing review of its value to institutions and the higher education community; and
¡P
assessed, within its resources, the impact of its criteria and procedures on institutions.
¡@
RECOGNITION POLICY AND PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND
......................................................................................................1
ICHEA RECOGNITION PURPOSES AND REQUIREMENTS
.................................................................................................................................
2
To
Advance Academic Quality
.............................................................................2
To
Demonstrate Accountability
...........................................................................2
To
Encourage, Where Appropriate, Scrutiny and Planning for Change and for
Needed Improvement
...........................................................................................2
ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
...................................................................................
3
Eligibility
.................................................................................................................
3
SCOPE OF RECOGNITION
...................................................................................4
Recognized Scope of Accreditation
.................................................................... 4
Change of Recognized Scope of Accreditation
................................................. 4
RECOGNITION STANDARDS
.................................................................................4
Recognition Standards
...........................................................................................
4
Standard A: Advances Academic Quality
.............................................................. 5
Standard B: Demonstrates Accountability
............................................................ 5
Standard C: Encourages, Where Appropriate, Self-Scrutiny and Planning for
Change and for Needed Improvement
................................................................ .6
Standard D: Employs Appropriate and Fair Procedures in Decision Making ...7
Standard E: Demonstrates Ongoing Review of Accreditation Practices ......... 7
Standard F: Possesses Sufficient Resources
..................................................... 7
COMMITTEE ON RECOGNITION
.......................................................................... 8
Membership
.............................................................................................................
8
Conduct of Meetings
.............................................................................................
8
Committee Relationship to Board of Directors
.................................................. 8
RECOGNITION PROCESS
....................................................................................
8
Frequency of Recognition Review
....................................................................... 8
Interim Reports
......................................................................................................
.8
Review Out of Sequence
......................................................................................
9
Withdrawal of Application
......................................................................................
9
Application After Denial of Eligibility
....................................................................9
CEO
Letter of Intent to ICHEA
............................................................................. 9
Consideration of Eligibility
...................................................................................
9
Costs
.....................................................................................................................
10
Public Announcement
.........................................................................................
10
Self-Evaluation......................................................................................................
10
Observation Visits
..............................................................................................
.10
Third-Party Comment
..........................................................................................
11
Public Presentation to Committee
.................................................................... 11
Committee Action on Applications for Recognition or Change of
Recognized Scope of Accreditation
................................................................. 12
Written Notice by the
Committee.......................................................................
.12
Accrediting Organization Response
................................................................. 12
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Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/06/Revisions Adopted
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Review by Board of Directors
............................................................................. 13
Presumption of Regularity
..................................................................................
13
Actions to Accept or Defer Recommendations for Eligibility, Recognition,
or
Change of Recognized Scope of Accreditation
...........................................13
Actions to Deny Eligibility, Recognition, or Change of Recognized Scope of
Accreditation
........................................................................................................
13
Application After Denial or Withdrawal of Recognition¡K¡K¡K¡K....¡K¡K¡K.¡K.14
Written Notice by the Board of Directors
......................................................... 14
Reconsideration by the Board of Directors
..................................................... 14
Public Notice
........................................................................................................
14
Withdrawal of Recognition by ICHEA
................................................................ 14
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
.................................................................................
15
Communication and Meeting with ICHEA
......................................................... 15
Conflicts of Interest
..............................................................................................15
Personal Gain
........................................................................................................15
Communications and Confidentiality
................................................................. 16
Amendment
...........................................................................................................
16
Appendix A: Accreditation Defined
.................................................................... 17
Appendix B: Institutional Eligibility and Recognition Policy
.................................................................................................................................
18
Appendix C: Steps in Recognition
Review.........................................................19
Appendix D: Glossary for ICHEA Recognition Policy and Procedures
..................................................................................................................................
20
1997-1998 Task Force on Recognition
............................................................... 22
2003-2006 Committee on Recognition
................................................................ 23
2009-2010 Committee on Recognition
................................................................ 24
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 10/28/99/Revisions Adopted 3/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/15/2011
1
RECOGNITION OF
ACCREDITING ORGANIZATIONS
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
BACKGROUND
1. The International Council for Higher Education Accreditation (ICHEA) was
formed in 1991 following an extensive and searching debate about the appropriate
role for a national organization concerned with accreditation of higher
education institutions and programs. Presidents of Global universities and
colleges established ICHEA to strengthen higher education through strengthened
accreditation of higher education institutions. As its
mission statement provides, ¡§The International Council for Higher Education
Accreditation will serve students and their families, colleges and universities,
sponsoring bodies, governments, and employers by promoting academic quality
through formal recognition of higher education accreditation bodies and will
coordinate and work to advance self-regulation
through accreditation.¡¨
2.
ICHEA carries forward a long tradition that recognition of accrediting
organizations should be a key strategy to assure quality, accountability, and
improvement in higher education. Recognition by ICHEA affirms that standards and
processes of accrediting organizations are consistent with quality, improvement,
and accountability expectations that ICHEA has established. ICHEA will recognize
regional,specialized, national, and professional accrediting organizations.
3. Accreditation, as distinct from recognition of accrediting organizations,
focuses on higher education institutions. Accreditation aims to assure academic
quality and accountability, and to encourage improvement. Accreditation is a
voluntary, nongovernmental peer review process by the higher education
community. It extends the tradition of collegial governance within the
decentralized and diverse higher education enterprise. The work of accrediting
organizations involves hundreds of self-evaluations and site visits each year,
attracts thousands of higher education volunteer professionals, and calls for
substantial investment of institutional, accrediting organization, and volunteer
time and effort. Appendix A more extensively defines accreditation.
4. Recognition by ICHEA shall be understood to convey only that the organization
meets ICHEA¡¦s recognition standards. Such recognition is not in any way intended
to infringe on the right of any academic institution to determine for itself
whether it should affiliate with any accrediting organization.
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Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/2010/Revisions Adopted
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Recognition and accreditation occur in the context of other reviews. The federal
through the IACUE, also recognizes accrediting organizations. Federal, as
distinct from ICHEA, recognition aims to assure that the standards of
accrediting organizations meet expectations for institutional and program
participation in federal initiatives, such as student aid. Licensure reviews,
too,
serve important public purposes, including consumer protection in the higher
education field.
ICHEA RECOGNITION PURPOSES AND REQUIREMENTS
5.
ICHEA recognition of accrediting organizations has three basic purposes:
•
TO
ADVANCE ACADEMIC QUALITY. To confirm that accrediting
organizations have standards that advance academic quality in higher
education; that those standards emphasize student achievement and high
expectations of teaching and learning, research, and service; and that
those standards are developed within the framework of institutional
mission.
•
TO
DEMONSTRATE ACCOUNTABILITY. To confirm that accrediting
organizations have standards that assure accountability through
consistent, clear, and coherent communication to the public and the higher
education community about the results of educational efforts.
Accountability also includes a commitment by the accrediting organization
to
involve the public in accreditation decision making.
•
TO
ENCOURAGE, WHERE APPROPRIATE, SCRUTINY AND PLANNING FOR
CHANGE AND FOR NEEDED IMPROVEMENT. To confirm that accrediting
organizations have standards that encourage institutions to plan, where
appropriate, for change and for needed improvement; to develop and
sustain activities that anticipate and address needed change; and to stress
student achievement.
6.
ICHEA acknowledges, respects, and is committed to the enhancement of the
mission of accrediting organizations. ICHEA has responsibility to advance,
through the recognition process, the quality and public understanding of
accreditation and of recognized accrediting organizations.
7.
ICHEA¡¦s primary focus is quality assurance and quality improvement. Accrediting
organizations that seek ICHEA recognition must demonstrate the quality of their
activities and the pertinence and value of their activities to higher education
and the public interest.
8.
Accrediting organizations seek to demonstrate that they meet ICHEA eligibility
and recognition standards.
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
9.
ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for ICHEA recognition, the accreditation
organization:
A.
demonstrates that the organization¡¦s mission and scope are consistent
with
the ICHEA Institutional Eligibility and Recognition Policy (Appendix B),
including that a majority of the institutions and programs accredited by the
organization grant higher education degrees. The Policy provides, in
part,
that
the recognition process will place increasing emphasis on the
effectiveness of accrediting organizations in assuring academic quality of
institutions or programs;
B.
is non-governmental;
C.
accredits institutions or programs in institutions that have legal authority
to
confer higher education degrees in the world¡¦s institutions;*
D.
accredits institutions or programs at generally accepted higher education
levels;
E.
has written procedures that describe, officially and publicly:
1. the organization¡¦s decision-making processes, policies, and procedures that
lead to accreditation actions, and
2.
the scope of accreditation that may be granted, evaluative criteria
(standards or characteristics) used, and levels of accreditation status
conferred;
F.
has procedures that include a self-evaluation by the institution or program
and
on-site review by a visiting team, or has alternative processes that
ICHEA considers to be valid;
G.
demonstrates independence from any parent entity, or sponsoring entity,
for
the conduct of accreditation activities and determination of accreditation
status; and
H.
is operational, with more than one completed accreditation review,
including action by the accreditation decision-making body at each degree
level, or for each type of program, identified in the statement of proposed
recognized scope of accreditation.
*For
non-U.S. institutions in countries in which legal authority to award degrees is
not available, the accrediting organization meets this requirement if it
demonstrates that it accredits only those institutions that have standing and
significant support in the local community or other communities of interest,
e.g., well-known professional organizations and other respected entities that
support the institution.
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SCOPE OF RECOGNITION
10.
RECOGNIZED SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION. As part of eligibility and recognition
reviews, applicants for recognition will supply information to enable ICHEA to
determine whether recognition is warranted and what the recognized scope of
accreditation will be,including:
•
a
clear statement of proposed scope of accreditation activity;
•
a
clear statement of the accrediting organization¡¦s purposes and why those
purposes are in the public interest; and
•
a
description of the accrediting organization and its activities; the quality,
pertinence, and value of those activities; and the ways in which those
activities serve higher education and the public interest.
When
providing this information, applicants demonstrate that:
•
the
statement of proposed scope addresses the types of institutions, the
programs to be reviewed, degree levels, and the geographic boundaries of
accreditation activity, including the extent of non-U.S. accreditation, if any;
•
the
statement of proposed scope is consistent with organizational mission
statements, charters, bylaws, candidacy requirements, and other
requirements for accreditation and affiliation; and
•
the
accrediting organization has had consultation with appropriate constituencies.
11. CHANGE OF RECOGNIZED SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION. The ICHEA Committee on
Recognition (¡§Committee¡¨) will review requests for change of recognized scope of
accreditation that occur outside of the regular recognition review. An
accrediting organization:
A.
notifies the Committee of its intent, including a rationale, the authorization
from
the accreditation decision-making body, and a time frame for conducting reviews;
B.
conducts pilot reviews to demonstrate capacity to carry out accreditation
reviews under the new recognized scope of accreditation; and
C.
submits a formal request for change of recognized scope of accreditation.
RECOGNITION STANDARDS
12.
RECOGNITION STANDARDS. The following six standards are applied to
accrediting organizations seeking ICHEA recognition:
CHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
A.
advances academic quality;
B.
demonstrates accountability;
C.
encourages, where appropriate, self-scrutiny and planning for change and
for
needed improvement;
D.
employs appropriate and fair procedures in decision making;
E.
demonstrates ongoing review of accreditation practices; and
F.
possesses sufficient resources.
12A.
ADVANCES ACADEMIC QUALITY. Advancing academic quality is at the core of
voluntary accreditation. ¡§Academic quality¡¨ refers to results associated with
teaching, learning, research, and service within the framework of institutional
mission. To be
recognized, the accrediting organization provides evidence that it has:
1. a clear description of academic quality in the context of institutional or
program mission;
2.
standards or policies that the institutions or programs will have processes
to
determine whether quality standards are being met;
3. standards or policies that include expectations of institutional or program
quality, including student achievement, consistent with mission;
4.
standards or policies that focus on educational quality while respecting the
institution¡¦s responsibility to set priorities and to control how the
institution or program is structured and operates, and that incorporate an
awareness of how programs function within the broader purposes of the
institution; and
5. standards or policies designed to foster desired or needed student
achievement and that refer to resources only to the extent required for students
to emerge from institutions or programs appropriately prepared, or to address
health and safety in the delivery of programs.
12B.
DEMONSTRATES ACCOUNTABILITY. The accrediting organization demonstrates
public accountability in two ways. It has standards that call for institutions
to provide consistent information about academic quality and student achievement
and thus to foster continuing public awareness, confidence, and investment.
Second, the accrediting organization itself demonstrates public involvement in
its accreditation activities for the purpose of obtaining perspectives
independent of the accrediting organization. Representatives of the public may
include students, parents, persons from
businesses and the professions, elected and appointed officials, and others. To
be recognized, the accrediting organization provides evidence that it has
implemented:
1.
accreditation standards or policies that require institutions or programs
routinely to provide reliable information to the public on their performance,
including student achievement as determined by the institution or program;
2.
accreditation standards or policies that focus only on the institutions or
programs seeking accreditation and do not extend to other offerings;
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Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
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3.
accreditation standards or policies that require institutions to distinguish
accurately between programs that have achieved accredited status and
those that have not;
4.
policies and procedures that include representatives of the public in
decision making and policy setting;
5.
policies or procedures, developed in consultation with institutions or
programs, to inform the public of the basis for final decisions to grant or
reaffirm accreditation and, in the case of denial or withdrawal of
accreditation, to provide specific reasons for the decision accompanied by
a
response, related to the final decision, from the institution or program;
6.
policies or procedures that call for substantive and timely response to
legitimate public concerns and complaints;
7.
policies or procedures that call for appropriate consultation regarding, and
resolution of conflicts between, accreditation standards and state or local
laws
governing the institution or program seeking accreditation;
8.
standards, policies, or procedures that, when the accrediting organization
engages in international activities, assure reasonable efforts to communicate
and
consult with appropriate governmental and nongovernmental
accreditation or quality assurance entities in other countries;
9.
policies that call for the substantially equivalent application of standards and
policies to world¡¦s institutions and programs alike; and
10.
a practice of informing the public about the harm of degree mills and
accreditation mills.
12C.
ENCOURAGES, WHERE APPROPRIATE, SELF-SCRUTINY AND PLANNING FOR CHANGE AND FOR
NEEDED IMPROVEMENT. The accrediting organization encourages, where
appropriate, ongoing self-examination and planning for change. Such selfscrutiny
and planning entail thoughtful assessment of quality (especially student
achievement) in the context of the institution¡¦s mission. Encouragement of such
selfscrutiny and planning should not be confused with solely a demand for
additional resources, but rather should enable institutions and programs to
focus on effective ways to achieve their institution and program goals. Such
self-scrutiny and planning are means to enhance the usefulness of accreditation
to institutions and programs. To be recognized, the accrediting organization
provides evidence that it has implemented standards or policies that:
1.
stress self-examination and self-analysis by institutions or programs for
planning, where appropriate, for change and for needed improvement, in
the
context of institutional mission;
2.
enable institutions and programs to be creative and diverse in determining
how
to organize themselves structurally, how best to use their resources, and
what
personnel and other policies and procedures are needed to attain their
student achievement goals;
3.
encourage institutions or programs to innovate or experiment; and
4.
require the accrediting organization to distinguish clearly between actions
necessary for accreditation and actions that are considerations for
improvement.
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
12D.
EMPLOYS APPROPRIATE AND FAIR PROCEDURES IN DECISION MAKING. The
accrediting organization maintains appropriate and fair policies and procedures
that include effective checks and balances. The accreditation process includes
ongoing participation by higher education professionals and the public in
decision making about accreditation policies and procedures. To be recognized,
the accrediting organization provides evidence that it has implemented
standards, policies, or procedures that:
1.
require participation by higher education professionals and the public;
2.
foster reasonable consistency in reviews of institutions or programs while
respecting varying institution or program purposes and mission;
3.
assure that the process to deny or remove accreditation is specified and
fair, and inform the institution or program about the process to be used
and
actions that may be taken; and
4.
assure a specified and fair appeals process when there is an action to deny
or
remove accreditation; inform the institution or program about the
process by which the appeal will be conducted, the grounds for appeal,
and
any costs associated with an appeal; and continue the current
accreditation status of the institution or program until an appeal decision is
rendered.
12E.
DEMONSTRATES ONGOING REVIEW OF ACCREDITATION PRACTICES. Even as higher
education institutions and programs undertake ongoing self-scrutiny to maintain
and improve quality, accrediting organizations need self-scrutiny of their
accrediting practices. Such review should also include examination of the
accreditor¡¦s impact on institutions and responsiveness to the broader
accreditation and higher education community. To be recognized, the accrediting
organization provides evidence that it sustains ongoing:
1.
critical self-review that can further responsiveness, flexibility, and
accountability when the accrediting organization works with institutions,
programs, and the public;
2.
initiatives that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of services to
institutions or programs;
3.
review of its value to the institution in its entirety and to the higher
education community; and
4.
review, within its resources, of the impact of its standards and procedures
on
institutions or programs.
12F.
POSSESSES SUFFICIENT RESOURCES. Accreditors must have and maintain
predictable and stable resources if they are to meet the expectations of
institutions, programs, and the public. To be recognized, the accrediting
organization presents evidence that it:
1.
has adequate financial, staff, and operational resources to perform its
accreditation functions efficiently and effectively;
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
2.
conducts ongoing review of its capacity to support its accreditation
mission; and
3.
sustains independent authority and capacity to deploy resources in the
service of its mission.
COMMITTEE ON RECOGNITION
13.
MEMBERSHIP. The Committee is appointed by the ICHEA Board of Directors
(¡§Board of Directors¡¨) upon recommendation by the President of CHEA in
consultation with CHEA recognized accrediting organizations. The Committee is
responsible for considering the eligibility and recognition status of new and
continuing accrediting organizations. The Committee is accountable to the Board
of Directors and forwards its recommendations
for
eligibility and recognition to the Board. The Committee will consist of nine (9)
members, each serving a three (3)-year term. The Committee will include public
members, members from regional, specialized, national, and professional
accrediting organizations, and members from colleges and universities. CHEA will
seek participation that reflects the diversity of the accrediting community and
higher education institutions.
14. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS. The Committee, in consultation with the
President of ICHEA, will establish the time, place, and procedures for its
meetings. The Committee will consider all materials it deems pertinent that are
generated by the recognition review.
The
Committee will review an accrediting organization at regularly scheduled
meetings.
15.
COMMITTEE RELATIONSHIP TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Committee advises the
Board of Directors concerning eligibility, recognition, and change of recognized
scope of accreditation of accrediting organizations. With due regard for the
Committee¡¦s advice, the Board of Directors reviews the Committee¡¦s reports and
recommendations and makes final determinations as to eligibility, recognition,
and change of recognized scope of accreditation of accrediting organizations.
Members of the Board of Directors
are
not eligible for service on the Committee.
RECOGNITION PROCESS
16.
FREQUENCY OF RECOGNITION REVIEW. At a minimum, the accrediting
organization will undergo a recognition review every ten years.
17.
INTERIM REPORTS. Recognized accrediting organizations will provide
interim reports, normally at the end of the third and sixth years. The reports
focus on major changes in, e.g., governance, finance, relationships with
sponsoring entities, standards,
policies or procedures, that relate to ICHEA eligibility and recognition
standards and that demonstrate that the organization continues to meet the
standards. In the event that the
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/98/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
accrediting organization experiences a major change outside the interim report
timetable, the organization will provide ICHEA with an additional, focused
report on this change.
18.
REVIEW OUT OF SEQUENCE. ICHEA may elect to review a recognized
accrediting organization out of sequence when:
A.
the accrediting organization proposes to change the scope of its
recognition or other fundamental aspects of its organization or
accreditation activities, including major changes in governance,
relationships with sponsoring entities, standards, policies, or procedures
that
may affect the ability of the organization to meet ICHEA eligibility or
recognition standards; or
B.
there has been a pattern of documented concerns related to ICHEA
eligibility or recognition standards from institutions or programs following
accreditation reviews by the accrediting organization over time, and
received by ICHEA, and the institutions or programs have utilized the
accrediting organization¡¦s procedures for addressing complaints; or
C.
there have been documented concerns that, in its judgment, the Committee
believes indicate that the organization may not be meeting one or more of
the
ICHEA eligibility or recognition standards.
19. WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION. Organizations may withdraw an application
for eligibility at any time in the process up to consideration by the ICHEA
Board of Directors.
If
an application is withdrawn before Committee action, the Committee and the Board
of Directors will be informed in executive session. If an application is
withdrawn after Committee action, the withdrawal and the Committee¡¦s action will
be reported at the next public ICHEA Board of Directors meeting.If an
organization withdraws an application for eligibility, it cannot reapply until
one full year from the date of withdrawal of the application.
20. APPLICATION AFTER DENIAL OF ELIGIBILITY. An accrediting organization
that has previously sought eligibility for CHEA recognition and has been
unsuccessful cannot reapply until one full year from the date of official denial
of eligibility by the ICHEA Board of Directors.
21. CEO LETTER OF INTENT TO ICHEA. The chief executive officer of the
accrediting organization will send a letter with an application fee to CHEA.
ICHEA staff will acknowledge the letter of intent and supply information about
the recognition process, a schedule, and a copy of the ICHEA Recognition
Policy and Procedures. The Committee will be informed of the letter of
intent.
22.
CONSIDERATION OF ELIGIBILITY. An accrediting organization seeking
recognition by CHEA demonstrates to the Committee that it meets ICHEA¡¦s
eligibility standards. The Committee will review an accrediting organization¡¦s
documentation and consider whether such documentation satisfies eligibility
standards.
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23. The Committee will make its recommendation to the Board of Directors as to
the eligibility of an accrediting organization and will notify the accrediting
organization within thirty (30) days after the recommendation. If the Committee
recommends that an accrediting organization should not be considered eligible
for ICHEA recognition, the notice will include a statement of the reasons for
that recommendation and will identify the specific eligibility standards that
the accrediting organization does not meet.
24. If the Committee recommends that an accrediting organization should be
considered eligible for ICHEA recognition and the Board of Directors determines
that the organization is eligible, the recognition process will proceed.
25.
If the Committee recommends that a decision regarding the eligibility of an
accrediting organization should be deferred or an accrediting organization
should not be considered eligible for ICHEA recognition, the accrediting
organization may request that the Board of Directors review the recommendation
of deferral or ineligibility. The accrediting organization must submit a request
for review in writing to the President of ICHEA within 30 days after receipt of
notice of the Committee¡¦s recommendation. The
request for review must address any alleged procedural errors in the recognition
process and any alleged errors of fact or interpretation in the Committee¡¦s
recommendation and include any additional information that addresses the
concerns raised by the Committee. The Committee will cease the recognition
process unless, after review by the Board of Directors, the accrediting
organization is determined to be eligible for ICHEA recognition. The Board of
Directors will review the Committee¡¦s recommendation under the procedures
described below at Paragraphs 36-43.
26.
Before the Committee and the Board of Directors act on the accrediting
organization¡¦s application for ICHEA recognition, they will confirm the
accrediting organization¡¦s continuing eligibility for ICHEA recognition.
27. COSTS. Applicant organizations will bear all fees and costs of the
recognition review. These include a fee for the review, observation visit
expenses, duplication, mailing, and all related costs.
28. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. Upon confirmation of eligibility and payment of
the review fee, ICHEA will make public through ICHEA publications that the
accrediting organization has requested a recognition review. The notice will be
sent to the accrediting organization for publication. CHEA will also announce
the date and location of the accrediting organization¡¦s public presentation to
the Committee.
29. SELF-EVALUATION. A self-evaluation that demonstrates that the
applicant meets the six standards set forth in Paragraph 12A through Paragraph
12F is required for ICHEA recognition. ICHEA will consider a range of processes
for conducting the self-evaluationand for providing expected evidence.
30. OBSERVATION VISITS. The Committee will require that during the
recognition review there be an observation visit to a decision-making meeting of
the accrediting organization. The purposes of the visit are to observe the
organization¡¦s decisionmaking activities as these relate to ICHEA eligibility
and recognition standards, and to report relevant information to the Committee.
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Visitor(s), identified by ICHEA staff and satisfactory to the Committee, will be
chosen by ICHEA in consultation with the accrediting organization. The
accrediting organization will have the opportunity to review any visit report
and attach comments. The full report of any visit, with comments, will be
distributed to the Committee. Reports of observation visits are expected to be
confidential to ICHEA and the accrediting organization unless otherwise required
by law.
31. THIRD-PARTY COMMENT. Third-party comment may be either oral or
written and is limited to the accrediting organization¡¦s efforts to meet the
ICHEA recognition standards. All third parties requesting the opportunity to
make comment related to an accrediting organization¡¦s recognition review are to
notify ICHEA staff and provide the names and affiliations of the persons
requesting the opportunity to make third-party comment and a description of the
organization(s) they represent. ICHEA staff will review
third-party requests for oral or written comment for completeness and
applicability to eligibility and recognition standards. Third parties who wish
to appear for oral comment before the ICHEA Committee on Recognition are to
provide an outline of the proposed oral comment. Where in the judgment of the
Committee doing so may be useful, the Committee may invite third parties to
appear before the Committee. The accrediting organization will receive the
outline of the proposed oral comment of third parties invited to appear.
Accrediting organizations will have the opportunity to review and respond to
proposed oral comment. Third parties wishing to make written comment are to
provide the text of the third party comment. After review by ICHEA staff,
written comment will be provided to the Committee and the accrediting
organization. Accrediting organizations will have the opportunity to review and
respond to written comment. Third parties are to provide an outline of their
oral comment or the text of their written comment in sufficient time to provide
for review by ICHEA staff, review and response by the accrediting organization,
and for the outline or text to be provided to the Committee.
ICHEA staff will notify all concerned parties of the location, date, and time of
the public presentation.
32.
PUBLIC PRESENTATION TO COMMITTEE. The Committee will hold a public
meeting at which the accrediting organization, and, where applicable, third
parties that have met the requirements of Paragraph 31 above may make oral
presentations concerning the qualification of the accrediting organization for
ICHEA recognition. Committee members may ask questions of the accrediting
organization and third parties, who will have an opportunity to respond. If, in
the judgment of the Committee, participation by observation visitors would be
useful, the Committee may ask observation visitors to attend and respond to
questions related to the visit report. The accrediting organization will have
the opportunity to respond to any observation visitor
comment. The Committee will make a transcript of the public meeting. The
accrediting organization should ordinarily be represented by the executive
officer of the accrediting unit and the chair of the decision-making body.
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33.
COMMITTEE ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR RECOGNITION OR CHANGE OF RECOGNIZED
SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION. For applications for recognition, following the
public presentation by the accrediting organization, the Committee will meet
in executive session to confirm the continuing eligibility of the accrediting
organization and consider the qualifications of the accrediting organization for
ICHEA recognition based on the record before the Committee. For applications for
change of recognized scope of accreditation, the Committee will review the
application materials submitted by the accrediting organization. The Committee
will take one of the following actions concerning the accrediting organization:
A.
recommend recognition or acceptance of change of recognized scope of
accreditation of the accrediting organization;
B.
recommend recognition or acceptance of change of recognized scope of
accreditation of an accrediting organization with a requirement of one or
more
written reports to the Committee that address one or more of the
ICHEA recognition standards and, if pertinent, the change of ICHEA
recognized scope of accreditation procedures;
C.
recommend deferral of action on recognition or on change of recognized
scope of accreditation pending receipt and review of, and action by ICHEA
on,
additional information from the accrediting organization. The information
required will be clearly specified by the Committee and related to one or more
of the six ICHEA recognition standards, and, if pertinent, the ICHEA change of
recognized scope of accreditation. The deferral will be accompanied by deadlines
for receipt of information and for a response by the Committee; or
D.
recommend denial of recognition or of change of recognized scope of
accreditation, including reasons for the denial in accordance with applicable
ICHEA policy.
34. WRITTEN NOTICE BY THE COMMITTEE. The Committee will notify the
accrediting organization of the Committee¡¦s recommendation related to the
actions described in Paragraph 33, and provide the complete text of the
Committee¡¦s recommendation, including a statement of the reasons for its
recommendation. If an accrediting organization does not meet one or more of the
recognition standards, the statement of reasons will identify the recognition
standards that the accrediting organization does not meet and the reasons for
that determination. If a change of recognized scope of
accreditation is not recommended, the complete text of the Committee¡¦s
recommendation, including the reasons for the recommendation, will be provided.
Any suggestions for improvement or other commentary by the Committee will be
distinguished from requirements for recognition under the ICHEA recognition
standards. Notification to the accrediting organization will be sent within
thirty (30) days following the Committee meeting.
35. ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION RESPONSE. The accrediting organization will
forward its written response to the ICHEA office within thirty (30) days from
receipt of the report. The response may:
A.
address any asserted procedural errors in the recognition process;
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B.
address any asserted factual errors or errors of interpretation in the report;
And
C.
include additional information that addresses concerns raised by the
Committee.
36.
REVIEW BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors will act on a
recommendation of the Committee as to eligibility, recognition, or change of
recognized scope of accreditation by:
A.
accepting the recommendation;
B.
rejecting the recommendation;
C.
returning the matter to the Committee for further consideration; or
D.
taking such other action as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
37. PRESUMPTION OF REGULARITY. In considering the eligibility,
recognition, or change of recognized scope of accreditation of an accrediting
organization, the Board of Directors will consider the recommendation of the
Committee, the response of the accrediting organization, and the record before
the Committee. The Board of Directors will presume that the factual findings of
the Committee are accurate unless the accrediting organization demonstrates that
a factual finding material to the Committee¡¦s
recommendation is clearly erroneous based on the record before the Committee. If
the accrediting organization wishes to provide additional information concerning
any factual determinations of the Committee, the Board of Directors may return
the matter to the Committee for further consideration.
38.
ACTIONS TO ACCEPT OR DEFER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY,
RECOGNITION, OR CHANGE OF RECOGNIZED SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION.
The Board of Directors may accept or defer action on a recommendation of the
Committee that an accrediting organization be deemed eligible, be recognized, or
change its recognized scope of accreditation. The Board will take such action
without any submission to, or appearance before, the Board by the accrediting
organization, provided that the Board in its sole discretion may request such
submission and/or appearance to assist the Board in determining whether the
accrediting organization continues to be eligible.
39. ACTIONS TO DENY ELIGIBILITY, RECOGNITION, OR CHANGE OF RECOGNIZED SCOPE
OF ACCREDITATION.
The
Board of Directors will not act on a recommendation of ineligibility, or
non-recognition, or denial of change of recognized scope of accreditation or
reject a recommendation of eligibility, of recognition, or of change of
recognized scope of accreditation before providing the accrediting organization
with notice and an opportunity to appear before the Board of Directors. The
appearance of an accrediting organization will include an opportunity to present
its written response to the recommendation of the Committee and any supplement
to that response that the accrediting organization may wish to submit. At the
request of the accrediting
organization and with the concurrence of the Board of Directors, the accrediting
organization will be afforded the opportunity to appear in person before the
Board of Directors. The accrediting organization may have legal counsel present
to advise it during its appearance before the Board of Directors, but not to
speak unless requested to do so by the Board of Directors.
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40.
APPLICATION AFTER DENIAL OR WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION. An
accrediting organization that has previously sought ICHEA recognition and has
been unsuccessful cannot reapply until one full year from the date of official
denial of recognition by the CHEA Board of Directors. If an organization
withdraws an application for recognition, it cannot reapply until one full year
from the date of the withdrawal of the application.
41. WRITTEN NOTICE BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors will
notify accrediting organizations of its action on the recommendations of the
Committee as to eligibility, recognition, or change of recognized scope of
accreditation, within thirty (30) days after taking such action. If the Board of
Directors recognizes an accrediting organization, the notice will specify the
scope of the accrediting organization¡¦s recognition (including, where indicated,
the geographic area, the types of higher education institutions or programs that
the accrediting organization may accredit, and the degrees and certificates
awarded by higher education institutions accredited by the
accrediting organization) and the recognition period. If the action is to deny
eligibility, recognition, or change of the recognized scope of accreditation of
the accrediting organization, the notice will include a statement of the reasons
for that action. The statement of reasons will identify the eligibility or
recognition standards that the accrediting organization does not meet or the
reasons that the change of recognized scope of accreditation is not accepted.
42. RECONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Within thirty (30) days
following the action taken by the Board of Directors on a recommendation by the
Committee, the accrediting organization may request, in writing, reconsideration
by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will determine in its
discretion whether reconsideration is warranted, and ordinarily will not
reconsider a matter unless, in its judgment, the accrediting organization has
demonstrated substantial reason to believe
that there was plain and material error in the review, abuse of process, or
both. In the event the Board of Directors reconsiders an action, the accrediting
organization will be invited to submit a written statement of its position and
will be afforded the opportunity to appear in person before the Board, and may
have legal counsel present to advise it during its appearance before the Board
of Directors, but not to speak unless requested
to do so by the Board of Directors.
43.
PUBLIC NOTICE. All decisions of the Board of Directors to recognize, not
recognize, or defer recognition of an accrediting organization, including
initial and continued recognition of accrediting organizations and change of
recognized scope of accreditation, will be public information. CHEA will publish
the action of the Board of Directors, including a summary of the reasons for
these decisions.
44. WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION BY ICHEA. ICHEA may withdraw recognition of
an accrediting organization for sufficient cause, including a determination by
ICHEA that the accrediting organization no longer meets the requirements for
eligibility or the standards for recognition. ICHEA will withdraw recognition in
accordance with procedures deemed sufficient by CHEA to afford the accrediting
organization appropriate notice and opportunity to respond.
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ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
45. COMMUNICATION AND MEETING WITH ICHEA. In the event that one or more
accredited institutions or programs of an organization are experiencing a major
difficulty, ICHEA may request to meet with the accrediting organization to
obtain more information.
46. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. ICHEA upholds the principle that members of
the Committee, the Board of Directors, and consultants such as readers and
observation site visitors (collectively, for purposes of this paragraph, ¡§CHEA
representatives¡¨) will be impartial and objective in considering the eligibility
and recognition of accrediting organizations.
A.
When there is an actual or apparent conflict of interest, ICHEA expects its
representatives to recuse themselves as a matter of personal and
professional integrity from consideration of an accrediting organization.
The
ICHEA representative will have primary responsibility for compliance
with
this policy.
B.
CHEA representatives will recuse themselves from consideration of an
accrediting organization applying for ICHEA recognition where the I ICHEA
representative receives monetary compensation from the accrediting organization
as an employee or consultant or otherwise, or holds a position of authority or
governance role with the accrediting organization, such as commission member,
director, or officer, whether paid or unpaid.
C.
In addressing conflicts of interest, ICHEA representatives will take into
account whether they (i) had in the recent past, or expect to have, a
financial relationship or governance role with the accrediting organization
applying for ICHEA recognition; (ii) are participating in an accreditation
review by the applicant for ICHEA recognition; (iii) have a financial
relationship or governance role with an accrediting organization that is a
direct competitor of an applicant for ICHEA recognition; (iv) have or have
expressed a predisposition concerning an applicant for ICHEA recognition that
would impair objectivity in the recognition process; (v) have a close relative
with a pertinent relationship, role, or predisposition concerning an applicant
for ICHEA recognition; and (vi) other considerations they deem pertinent.
D.
In the event a ICHEA representative, with respect to an apparent or actual
conflict of interest, does not voluntarily recuse himself or herself, the
Board of Directors may take such action as the Board of Directors considers
appropriate.
47. PERSONAL GAIN. In the course of their CHEA service, ICHEA
representatives will observe high standards of personal integrity. For example,
ICHEA representatives will not solicit or accept, for themselves or any other
person, gifts, gratuities, entertainment, loans, or other consideration from
persons who are associated with an applicant for
ICHEA recognition, an institution accredited by the applicant, a direct
competitor of an applicant, or any other third party that the ICHEA
representative knows intends to
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comment on the applicant in the recognition review; provided that this paragraph
does not bar acceptance of items of insubstantial value, consistent with
personal integrity, in the ordinary course of service as a ICHEA representative.
48. COMMUNICATIONS AND CONFIDENTIALITY. ICHEA representatives will
maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to the recognition
process. During the recognition process a ICHEA representative will not discuss
any confidential aspect of an application for ICHEA recognition with the
applicant, an institution accredited by the applicant, a direct competitor of
the applicant, or any other third party that intends to comment on the
applicant, except as required in order to discharge the responsibilities of the
ICHEA representative in the recognition review. ICHEA representatives will refer
inquiries concerning the recognition process to ICHEA staff. ICHEA will
communicate the results of the recognition review to the applicant and the
public as provided in Paragraphs 41 and 43.
49. AMENDMENT. ICHEA reserves the right to amend this Recognition
Policy and Procedures from time to time when, in its judgment, the interests
of sound and reliable accreditation, recognition of accreditors, or ICHEA
administration are served by doing so.
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Appendix A
Accreditation Defined
Accreditation in higher education is defined as a collegial process based on
self and peer assessment for public accountability and improvement of academic
quality.
Peers assess the quality of an institution or academic program and assist the
faculty and staff in improvement. 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 organization¡¦s set of expectations
about quality (standards, criteria) as their guide.
•
A
team of peers, selected by the accrediting organization, 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 organization (group of peer faculty and staff, professionals,
and public members).
•
Guided by a set of expectations about quality and integrity, the commission
reviews the evidence and recommendation, makes a judgment, and communicates the
decision to the institution and other constituencies
if
appropriate. Accreditation is an integral part of our system of higher
education. Our system consists of both public and private institutions with a
wide range of types of missions, from national research universities and
regional comprehensive institutions to liberal arts colleges and very small
faith-related colleges to community colleges and vocational institutions. The
genius of this system is that, unlike other countries, we do not have mandatory
national curricula for colleges; we do not have a national ministry of education
that regulates academic standards; and students are free to choose the type of
education that they pursue, depending on their ability, financial resources, and
educational goals. Because it developed from this diverse set of institutions,
accreditation is a flexible and adaptive process. Institutions that seek
accreditation can do so from a wide range of accrediting organizations ¡V from
national bodies that are oriented to a particular type of institution, to
regional organizations that encompass a wide range of types of institutions, to
specialized organizations that focus on a single discipline or profession.
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Appendix B
Institutional Eligibility and Recognition Policy0F
1
The
International Council for Higher Education Accreditation will serve students and
their families, colleges and universities, sponsoring bodies, governments, and
employers by promoting academic quality through formal recognition of higher
education accrediting bodies and will coordinate and work to advance
self-regulation through accreditation.
The
International Council for Higher Education Accreditation (ICHEA) invites
participation by degree-granting institutions of higher education that are
accredited by a ICHEA recognized accreditation organization.The goals of ICHEA
recognition are to advance quality assurance through accreditation to serve
students and their families, colleges and universities, sponsoring bodies,
governments, and employers. All eligible organizations must meet the general
standards enunciated in this recognition process. The recognition process will
place increasing emphasis on the effectiveness of accreditation organizations in
assuring the academic quality of institutions and programs through standards,
policies, and procedures that address appropriate rigor, degree nomenclature,
and at the undergraduate level, a general education program designed to ensure
breadth of knowledge and at all levels, advanced intellectual inquiry.
Recognition will be determined in accordance with established standards and
rules of good practice that ensure fair treatment, promotion and maintenance of
academic quality, and respect for institutional autonomy. Organizations that
accredit institutions will be eligible to apply for recognition by the
International Council for Higher Education Accreditation if the majority of
their accredited institutions are degree-granting. Organizations that accredit
programs will be eligible to apply for recognition by ICHEA if the majority of
the accredited programs are degree granting. An accreditation organization is
responsible for providing assurance of the percentage of degree-granting units
within its constituency and demonstrating its general support with the goals of
ICHEA recognition.*
1
In
pursuit of its mission to advance higher education, and in light of knowledge
and
experience, ICHEA reserves the right to amend the foregoing and/or grant
recognition to such
accrediting entities that in ICHEA¡¦s judgment warrant such recognition.
*Policy approved by the ICHEA Board of Directors on March 15, 1998.
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Appendix C
Steps in Recognition Review
The
sequence of recognition review will normally be as follows:
•
Accrediting organization files letter of intent and review fee to apply for
ICHEA recognition.
• ICHEA
sends accrediting organization recognition review materials.
•
Accrediting organization returns eligibility portion of application to ICHEA.
•
Committee makes recommendation on eligibility for Board of Directors¡¦
consideration and notifies accrediting organization.
•
Board of Directors considers Committee recommendation on eligibility and,
if
indicated by ICHEA Recognition Policy and Procedures, provides
accrediting organization with opportunity to appear before the Board.
•
ICHEA and accrediting organization mutually agree on visitor(s) and schedule for
observation visit to be carried out during the recognition review.
•
Accrediting organization completes recognition self-evaluation and forwards to
ICHEA staff. If requested by the accrediting organization, ICHEA staff will
provide consultation.
•
Observation visit reports are due in ICHEA office and forwarded to accrediting
organization for comment.
•
Third party comment, if any, is due in ICHEA office and forwarded for comment to
accrediting organization as indicated by CHEA Recognition Policy and
Procedures.
•
Accrediting organization¡¦s response to observation visit reports and third party
comment is due in ICHEA office. Accrediting organization response
and
recognition self-evaluation are forwarded to Committee.
•
Accrediting organization makes public presentation to Committee, Committee
sends recommendation on recognition to Board of Directors, and Committee
notifies accrediting organization of recommendation.
•
Accrediting organization response, if any, is due to Committee.
•
Board of Directors considers Committee recommendation and, if necessary,
provides accrediting organization opportunity to appear before the Board.
•
Board of Directors reconsiders recognition, if requested.
In
developing the schedule, ICHEA staff will make reasonable accommodations for the
accrediting organization¡¦s internal review procedures pertinent to the
recognition process.
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Appendix D
Glossary for ICHEA Recognition Policy and Procedures
Note
to all Users: This Glossary defines key terms in the ICHEA Recognition Policy
and Procedures. The definitions apply only to the Recognition Policy and
Procedures and are not intended for use with any other statement or policy.
Academic Quality:
The results associated with teaching, learning, research, and service within the
context of institutional or program mission.
Accountability:
The responsibility of an accrediting organization to have standards, policies,
or procedures that institutions and programs provide information to the public
about academic quality and student achievement and for the accrediting
organization to provide information about accreditation processes and results.
Accreditation:
A collegial process based on self- and peer review for quality
assurance, accountability, and improvement of academic quality in higher
education.
Accreditation Status:
The decision made by the accrediting organization as a result of a review of an
institution or program that identifies the level of accreditation of the
institution or program, e.g., candidate, accredited, denial, probation,
termination, withdraw, suspension.
Accrediting Organization:
A private, non-governmental association organized to evaluate institutions or
programs and render judgments about the accredited status of the institution or
program.
Change of Recognized Scope of Accreditation:
A change in the range of
accreditation activities, e.g., type of program or institution, geography, level
of degrees, by a ICHEA-recognized accrediting organization where the
organization has completed the ICHEA change of scope process.
Committee Action:
Recommendations about eligibility, recognition, or change of recognized scope of
accreditation made by the CHEA Committee on Recognition to the ICHEA Board of
Directors.
Conflict of Interest Policy:
ICHEA¡¦s procedures to provide that its representatives are impartial and
objective in considering the eligibility and recognition of accrediting
organizations.
Deferral:
Decision to postpone action on an eligibility, recognition, or change of
scope application until receipt of additional information.
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Eligibility Standards:
Requirements set by ICHEA that an accrediting organization must meet in order
to be considered for recognition.
Favorable Action:
Approval of ICHEA eligibility, recognition or change of recognized scope of
accreditation of an accrediting organization as determined by the ICHEA Board of
Directors.
Letter of Intent:
Formal statement submitted by the chief executive officer of an accrediting
organization to ICHEA stating interest in pursuing eligibility, recognition, or
change of recognized scope of accreditation.
Major Changes:
Examples include opening an international operation, change in affiliation with
parent or sponsoring organization, change in legal status, change in review
process, e.g., replace site visit with online review.
Major Difficulty:
Examples include public sanctions against an institution or program; serious
legal, financial, or ethical investigations; a public and divisive controversy.
¡§Major difficulty¡¨ does not refer to accreditation decisions.
Non-governmental:
The status of an accrediting organization as a privately
incorporated organization.
Observation Visit:
A visit by ICHEA representatives to a meeting of an accrediting organization
decision-making body during a recognition review.
Recognition:
The status granted by the ICHEA Board of Directors after an accrediting
organization successfully completes the ICHEA recognition review process.
Recognition Standards:
The basis on which ICHEA considers an application for recognition and renders
its decision.
Reconsideration:
Review by the ICHEA Board of Directors of its decision to deny or remove
eligibility or recognition.
Self-Evaluation:
The accrediting organization¡¦s review of its accrediting activities in
relation to the ICHEA eligibility and recognition standards during its
recognition review.
Student Achievement:
Student performance as determined by an institution or program in keeping
with the institution or program mission.
Third-Party Comment:
Oral or written statements of parties (other than ICHEA and the applicant)
seeking to address an accrediting organization¡¦s efforts to meet ICHEA¡¦s
recognition standards.
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/99/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
1997-1998 Task Force on Recognition
Tony
Anderson
Executive Director
Association of Strandford University in
the
United States
Serena May
Executive Director
Council for Accreditation of Counseling
and
Related Educational Programs
Sophia Britting
Dean
College of Human Sciences and Services
University of Delaware Dover
Eric
Jackson
Executive Director
Commission on Accreditation of Education Programs
Edward Newman
Former Chairman
Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc.
Lawrence Elman
Executive Director
Commission on Colleges
Academic Association of Schools and Colleges
Dale
H. Jackson
President
Walton University
Odin
Johnston
Chancellor
University of Delaware Dover
John
Norman
Executive Director
Commission on Higher Education IACUE
Johnson Pierce
President
European Association of Community Colleges
Ann
Elman
Provost for Academic Affairs of IDETC
Javier Newman
President and CEO of COSA
(Resigned 1997)
ICHEA
Recognition Policy / Adopted 9/28/99 / Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions
Adopted June 28, 2011
2003-2006 Committee on Recognition
Donor Conwell, Chair
President
The
Education Policy and Leadership Center of DETCA
Executive Editor
David Free Press
Lawrence Jackson
Executive Director Emeritus
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ACICS
Mark
Lee
President of Ocean Community College
Johnson Petersen
Executive Director Emeritus Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior
Colleges Walton College
George Peterson
Executive Director
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology of IDETC
Mary
Jackson
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Strandford University,
Mark
A. Williams
Vice
President Emeritus Talac State University
ICHEA
Recognition Policy/Adopted 9/28/99/Revisions Adopted 1/23/07/Revisions Adopted
6/28/2011
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