1. Preparing for THE Visit: the PA Role in the Institutional Accreditation Report and Visit Ellie A. Fogarty, Ed.D., Vice President Middle States Commission on Higher Education

2. Agenda  Overview of Accreditation in the US  Role of Government in Quality Assurance  The Regional Accreditation Process  Preparing for a Successful Visit  Role of the President and PA  Supporting the Board  Your President as a Team Chair

3. Overview of Accreditation in US  System of peer review among member institutions by volunteer peer evaluators against agreed-upon standards and processes, with respect for institutional mission, for the purposes of quality assurance and continuous improvement.  Accrediting agencies are non-profit, non- governmental, voluntary membership organizations.

4. Overview of US Accreditation  Types of Accreditation  Seven Regional Accreditors Examine entire institution Similar standards  Specialized and Professional Accreditors Specific programs  National Accreditors Degree-granting & non-degree granting institutions across the U.S. Specialized type of institutions, e.g. theological seminaries, career preparation colleges

6. Role of Government in Quality Assurance  State Government  Licensure of institutions to grant degrees  Federal Government  Provision of loans/grants to students at accredited institutions

7. The Regional Accreditation Process  Self-Study by the College or University  Visits by Teams of Peer Evaluators  Types of Accreditation Actions

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

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

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

11. Role of the President and PA  Appoint & Charge Steering Committee  Meet with Team Chair  Welcome Team  Set Tone on Campus  Respond to Team Report  Read, Read, Read  Handle Logistics  Assist Steering Committee  Work with Team Chair (or PA)  Organize Documents President President’s Assistant

12. Supporting the Board  Governance Standard  Role of the Board in the Bylaws  Regular Board Review  Policy Oversight  Certification Statement  Endorsement or Approval of Self-Study Report  Logistics

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

14. Your President as Team Chair  Opportunity  Training  Support from Accrediting Agency  Your Role  Number of Trips  Working with Team Members

15. Identify 2 accreditation issues you want to look at more closely when you return to your campus. Why did these 2 issues come to mind? What can you do to begin the conversation? Name 2 people you want to talk with about accreditation issues when you return to your campus. What did you learn today that you might share with them? Next Steps

16. Ellie A. Fogarty, Ed.D. efogarty@msche.org Questions?