We have some exciting updates to share about our work related to program accreditation. First, we are pleased to announce the newly released 2024 Guide to Accreditation for Higher Education Programs for Students with ID by the NCC Accreditation Workgroup and the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. It contains all the information you need to understand the program accreditation process and links to prepare for program accreditation using tools developed by the NCC.
This academic year, two more programs opened their doors to accreditation: the Office of Inclusive Services (OIS) at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and ACE-IT in College at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. During the fall semester, the program directors, coordinators, and staff completed the self-study report and program evidence explaining how the program addresses the 10 standard areas of accreditation.
This spring, they hosted successful campus site visits where peer reviewers and accreditation liaisons traveled to the campuses. Peer reviewers discussed the program with students, alumni, parents, faculty, program staff, and college leaders to learn more about OIS and ACE-IT in College. Many thanks to Christi Kasa, and Julie Harmon from UCCS and Jaclyn Camden, and Jan Shea from VCU for being excellent learning partners throughout the NCC Accreditation Workgroup pilot process. This is where the accreditation workgroup work stops, and the independent program accreditor, the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC) work begins. All the information (e.g., self-study, peer reviewer report) is submitted to the IHEAC for accreditation determination.
Finally, we are recruiting for our final two pilot sites! Once programs are selected, the self-study process will start in late summer or early fall 2024. If you have questions about becoming a program accreditation pilot site, please let us know.
If you are interested, these are the criteria to consider if a program is ready to apply for accreditation:
- The program is located at an accredited institution of higher education.
- It meets the definition of a Comprehensive Transition Program.
- The program serves students with an intellectual disability.
- The program has existed for at least 3 years and has at least 2 cohorts of graduates.
- The program offers a credential issued by the institution of higher education.
Also, we have added Accreditation Office Hours to ensure you have the information to prepare your program for accreditation. If you have questions about program accreditation that you would like to ask in an individual setting, register here and talk with us.