|
Impetus for change
Approximately 2½ years ago, the Commission on Colleges,
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) began a critique
of accreditation criteria that were established in the 1980s and
added to over the years. Their analysis was that the present numerous
and redundant criteria, 450+ "must" statements, were restrictive
with little or no flexibility for its member institutions in representing
their unique missions. Further, it was their opinion that the process
was time intensive and resulted in excessive paperwork with a poor
cost/benefit ratio. Adding to their thorough review of the criteria
were changes in marketplace (distance learning) that would necessitate
adding to the "must" statements in order to ascertain if institutions
were meeting these new challenges.
The Commission's Accreditation Review Project represents a conceptual
shift from externally mandated, prescribed criteria. This is the
first major change in SACS accreditation in fifteen years. Inherent
in this new process is accountability to the higher education community,
students, and other various publics. The intent of the Commission
on Colleges is not to homogenize institutions, but to emphasize improvement
while taking into account the institution's mission and commitment
to improvement. The new process allows for differences while assuring
quality. The new accreditation requirements shift the emphasis from
requiring an institution to meet the 450+ "must" statements to leading
an institution toward greater accountability and responsibility
in assuring quality of programs. Clearly, the new elements place
greater responsibility with the institution for demonstrating its
commitment. Institutions will provide evidence to the public, the
legislatures of the states, the federal government, and the institutions
under review themselves that institutions can demonstrate accountability.
The paradigm shift pointedly focuses institutions on assuring and
maintaining quality enhancements supportive of distinctive institutional
missions. The new requirements will replace current comprehensive
and alternative self-studies and the peer review processes therein.
|
|
