Accreditation Process Book

Transcription

1 Accreditation Process Book Associate Degree Schools and Programs West 119th Street Overland Park, Kansas USA acbsp.org For Institutions Seeking Initial and Reaffirmation of Accreditation

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3 THE PROCESS BOOK FOR ACCREDITATION FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS June 2015 ACCREDITATION COUNCIL FOR BUSINESS SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS (ACBSP) West 119 th Street Overland Park, Kansas USA Telephone: (913) FAX: (913)

4 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION... 1 Accreditation Governance... 2 Accreditation Eligibility... 2 Privacy of Accreditation Process... 3 Conflict of Interest and Non-Disclosure Policy... 3 Accreditation Staff... 3 ACCREDITATION PROCESS... 3 Initial Accreditation... 3 Candidacy Status... 4 Appointment of a Mentor and Mentoring Activities... 4 Fees During Candidacy - Mentor... 5 Fees During Candidacy - Maintenance Fee... 5 Reports During Candidacy - Preliminary Site Visit Questionnaire... 5 Reports During Candidacy - Action Plan... 6 Reports During Candidacy - Annual Report... 6 Recommendation to Proceed to Self-Study... 7 SELF-STUDY REPORT... 7 Preparation of Self-Study... 7 EVALUATION TEAM SITE VISIT... 8 Evaluation Team Appointment... 8 Evaluation Team Responsibilities... 9 COMPLIANCE WITH ACCREDITATION STANDARDS POST-VISIT REVIEW AND RESPONSE ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE REVIEW BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTIONS ACCREDITATION PROBATION ACCREDITATION WITHDRAWAL Appeal Process PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS PROCESS Informal Resolution Procedure Formal Resolution Procedure INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Branch Campus Educational Sites or Other Instructional Sites Branch Campuses and Sites Adding New Program(s) Program(s) Termination Change of Institution Name or Location Change of Ownership Closing of Institution MAINTAINING ACCREDITATION Public Notification of Accreditation Privacy of Accreditation Results Reaffirmation of Accreditation... 25

5 ACCREDITATION TIMETABLE AND COSTS Accreditation Timetable Accreditation Costs Accrediting Associate Degree Programs at an ACBSP School with Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Programs REAFFIRMATION OF ACCREDITATION TIMETABLE AND COSTS Reaffirmation of Accreditation Process Timetable Reaffirmation of Accreditation Costs APPLICATION FOR CANDIDACY STATUS... 29

6 FIGURES Figure 1. Examples of the Educational Process 1 Figure 2. Accreditation Process Timetable 7 Figure 3. Application for Accreditation 11 Figure 4. Checklist of Activities in Preparation for Site Visit of ACBSP Evaluation Team. 17 New Revision May 2013 Revision A June 2015

7 ACCREDITATION FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE BUSINESS PROGRAMS INTRODUCTION Accreditation is the process by which a business program voluntarily undergoes an independent appraisal of its educational activities. There are two types of accreditation: (1) institutional; and (2) specialized. ACBSP is a specialized accrediting body that reviews the quality and integrity of business degree programs. Accreditation by ACBSP is based on an independent evaluation of an institution s business programs by a group of professionals that includes faculty and academic administrators in the field of business. The educational quality of a business program is determined by a variety of inputs into the educational process, the educational activities related to the teaching/learning process, and the outcomes of these processes (see Figure 1). Figure 1 Examples of the Educational Process Inputs Educational Activities Outcomes Faculty Teaching by Faculty and Employers Evaluation Learning by Students of Graduates Students Student Advising Specialized Test Support Services Scores Activities Related to the Institutional Facilities Acquisition and/or Development of Student Placement Knowledge Through Faculty Study, Financial Resources Consulting, or Research Professional Status Organization Activities Relating to Improvement in Graduate Surveys the Quantity and Quality of Teaching Management Skills and Learning Resources Alumni Surveys Note: The items in the above figure are not intended to be all inclusive. There are many other types of inputs, activities and outcomes. Often the accreditation process is not well understood by the general public. To some, it is merely a rating process that classifies institutions and programs as excellent, average, or poor, but this is an erroneous perception. Instead, accreditation is a means of assuring students, parents, and the business community that those business schools and programs that are accredited have met rigorous criteria that indicate a high and acceptable level of educational quality. It does not mean that every course, concentration, or major in a business degree program is of comparable quality. It does mean that no course, concentration, or major is so weak as to jeopardize the overall quality of the business school or program. 1

8 ACBSP is devoted to promoting excellence in teaching/learning in business schools and programs in higher education. It accomplishes this objective through the accrediting process and through other activities sponsored by ACBSP. The mission statements of the member business programs of ACBSP are recognized as being quite diverse. Accordingly, the accreditation standards for associate degree granting business programs place considerable emphasis on the institution's mission and the mission of the business programs and their ability to fulfill its mission. Accreditation by ACBSP attests to a business program s high level of achievement in delivering quality education and thereby provides reliable and meaningful guidance: (1) to prospective students who plan to enroll in business degree programs, and (2) to employers who plan to hire the graduates of ACBSP accredited business schools and programs. Accreditation Governance The Accreditation Governance Board assists each Board of Commissioners in establishing, documenting and periodically reviewing broad accreditation policies and procedures essential to accomplishing the objectives and appropriate functioning of the two Commissions and the administration of the accreditation staff. The governance of the accreditation process is the primary responsibility of the elected Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Commission. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for determining eligible business programs to be accredited and for all accreditation decisions. Accreditation standards are approved by the members of ACBSP, and interpretation of those standards is the responsibility of the Board of Commissioners. Accreditation Eligibility To be eligible for consideration to become accredited, an business program must first be a member of the ACBSP Associate Degree Commission, which is accomplished by joining ACBSP (cost is $1,350). If an business program has more than one location, an evaluation is made to determine if the additional campuses are branch campuses or educational sites. The main campus can be enrolled as a member. All branch campuses must be enrolled as members when entering candidacy. Other eligibility requirements include: 1. To join as a member, the institution must be accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies. (If an institution is located in a country other than the USA, the institution must provide with the application a certified translation of a copy of the official document from the appropriate authority in the country that authorizes the institution to grant degrees.) 2. The application for accreditation must be authorized in writing by the chief executive officer of the institution. One-half of the accreditation fee must be remitted. The total fee is $2, The business program must have offered each degree in business submitted for accreditation for at least two years. 2

9 Privacy of Accreditation Process All reasonable efforts will be made by ACBSP to protect the confidentiality of the information gathered and reviewed during the accreditation process. Legal requests for information pertaining to an business program's particular accreditation process involving ACBSP may require certain disclosures. All evaluators are expected to understand their ethical responsibility pertaining to conduct before, during, and after an accreditation site visit with which they are involved. This means that matters pertaining to an accreditation visit are not to be discussed in public, and are to be treated as confidential. The Board of Commissioners also requests that ACBSP accreditation materials (e.g., self-study) be maintained as confidential information by the business program. Conflict of Interest and Non-Disclosure Policy Every reasonable effort will be made to have commissioners, staff, and evaluators excluded from involvement in an accreditation process in which they have, or might sometime have in the near future, a professional or personal conflict of interest. ACBSP policy requires that all active commissioners and board members of ACBSP remove themselves from any of the council's discussions about their own institution s accreditation and all other business programs where they have a relationship that could involve a conflict of interest. All members of the Board of Commissioners sign a conflict of interest and non-disclosure statement each year. Accreditation Staff The ACBSP staff is always available to assist individual business programs that are considering accreditation or are in the process of accreditation. The staff includes a Chief Accreditation Officer who leads the overall effort, Executive Liaison to the Associate Degree Board of Commissioners, Associate Director of Accreditation and the Accreditation Coordinators. Other staff at the ACBSP office may be able to respond to your questions and requests for information as well. ACCREDITATION PROCESS Initial Accreditation ACBSP offers accreditation for individual campuses and system-wide accreditation. Typically, the main campus of the system enters membership and there is no requirement for branch campuses to join into membership unless there is a desire to receive member benefits at these branch campuses. The cost of annual dues is $1,350 for the main campus. At the point accreditation is sought, the branch campuses must be brought into membership as candidates for accreditation. Exceptions are created for campuses that are not prepared to undertake the accreditation process. They should not be brought into candidacy until they are prepared to undertake the process. Necessary efforts must be taken by these campuses and the main campus to clearly state the accreditation preparation status or lack thereof. The self-study is prepared using the current approved Standards and Criteria to demonstrate teaching excellence for associate degree programs. The purpose of the self-study is for the business program to 3

10 demonstrate that it is in compliance with these standards. There are two accreditation cycles per year. Self-studies can be submitted through the online reporting portal before July 15 th or December 15 th to begin the accreditation within that cycle. Candidacy Status The initial accreditation process starts with the submission of an Application for candidacy from the business program accreditation champion that triggers a preliminary review by ACBSP of the business programs to determine their degree of readiness to commence a self-study. Upon review and approval of the application documents, the business programs become Candidates for Accreditation and they are in candidacy status. This title may be used in presenting to the public the business program's membership status. A check for $1,250 needs to accompany the application in partial payment of the total application fee of $2,500 for pursuing the self-study. Upon receipt of the application and check by ACBSP, access to the preliminary questionnaire will be provided in the online reporting portal. A word of caution is in order at this point. While ACBSP wants to actively help the business programs achieve accreditation, and while it has established this program for that purpose, ACBSP is not in a position to guarantee that the business programs will receive accreditation by becoming a Candidate for Accreditation. The expectation, however, is that the business programs will successfully achieve accreditation. Candidates for Accreditation are held to all of the standards for accreditation. Appointment of a Mentor and Mentoring Activities After receiving notice of being granted candidacy status, ACBSP will assign a mentor for the business programs. The program champion and ACBSP will mutually agree upon mentors. Contact information will be provided to the mentor and the primary contact for accreditation (champion) as specified in the application for candidacy. The mentor and the champion should communicate as soon as possible about expectations on timing to complete the preliminary questionnaire and steps required in the action plan to prepare to enter the self-study phase. This includes any support the business programs require from the mentor. The mentor and champion should communicate at least once a month to determine what assistance is needed from the mentor with the accreditation process and to allow the mentor to monitor the progress along the timeline suggested by the business programs. The program champion will inform the mentor when the preliminary questionnaire is ready to be reviewed in the online reporting portal. The mentor should review the information and provide feedback to the business programs. This is normally completed within one month after receipt of the questionnaire. The mentor and the champion should discuss the feedback and prepare a timeline and an action plan to improve any processes identified by the mentor during the review of the preliminary questionnaire. The champion and the mentor should decide if a visit to the campus will benefit the business program's accreditation process. When the mentor believes the action plan has progressed sufficiently to allow the business programs to conduct a self-study that can meet the ACBSP standards, the mentor will notify ACBSP. After notification from the mentor that the business programs are ready to write the self-study, ACBSP staff will notify the champion with the timeline for submittal of the self-study. 4

11 The business programs should ask the mentor each section of the self-study to review after the section is completed. Feedback will be provided to the business programs. Suggested improvements might include providing sufficient data and information to show evidence of continuous improvement (closing the loop), and if possible, including the link, data, or data summaries in the self-study document rather than in the appendices. The champion will complete the Intent to Submit a Self-Study Form and send it to ACBSP. This normally occurs before September 1st for self-studies to be submitted for the December 15th cycle and March 1st for self-studies to be submitted for the July 15th cycle. The mentor will be invited to participate in the consensus call with the site-visit team but is not required. The business programs can also invite the mentor to be present during the site visit to act as a liaison between the business programs and the site-visit team. The business programs are responsible for all expenses incurred by the mentor if he/she is invited to participate in the site visit. Fees During Candidacy - Mentor The costs related to having the mentor are a consulting fee of $400 per year, unless pre-coordinated with the mentee, mentor, and ACBSP, and reimbursement of travel expenses. During the first year, if a visit to the school is not required and work is done via and phone, the mentor is paid an honorarium of $400 for desk time upon completion. The mentor is not paid for desk time in subsequent years except for visits to the campus. In addition to work by and a campus visit, work can also occur during the ACBSP Annual Conference if both parties are in attendance. The mentor submits documentation of expenses to ACBSP. ACBSP takes responsibility to provide payment to the mentor, and the business programs take responsibility to reimburse ACBSP in a timely manner. Fees During Candidacy - Maintenance Fee The annual membership fee is $2,150 per year while in candidacy. The annual membership fee is $2,150 per year while accredited. Membership dues statements are sent in June of each year. Reports During Candidacy - Preliminary Site Visit Questionnaire Upon receipt and completion of the candidacy application process, the ACBSP office and mentor will assure the business program receives or has previously received access to the Preliminary Site Visit Questionnaire and the Standards and Criteria through the online reporting portal. The first report submitted for business accreditation is the Preliminary Site Visit Questionnaire developed by members of the business programs. This is anticipated to be submitted within six months after appointment of the mentor. Upon its completion access is provided to both ACBSP and the mentor, a visit to the business program by the mentor typically is scheduled to review the materials in the questionnaire with the dean or chair of the business programs. The mentor provides feedback and the accreditation champion should develop an action plan to close any gaps identified. The accreditation champion and the mentor will decide if a visit should be scheduled to the business program to review the materials in the questionnaire and the level of readiness of the academic business programs to proceed with the accreditation process. 5

12 The results of the preliminary review should not be construed as an approval or rejection of accreditation. It is simply a test of readiness. Associate degree programs that include courses with titles, instructional objectives and stated outcomes in such areas as accounting, administration, marketing and distribution, retailing, banking, finance, purchasing, and management including, but not limited to specialty management areas, and office administration are ordinarily included for ACBSP accreditation purposes. Exclusion of such programs must be specifically requested by a letter from the candidate business program to accompany its initial application for accreditation. Such exclusion(s) will be a special subject of review during a preliminary visit which must be conducted if an exclusion is requested. Upon the approval by the Board of Commissioners of the rationale for excluding a program(s) normally included as a part of the business programs as defined by ACBSP, the candidate business program must describe the exclusion and the rationale for the exclusion in the self-study. Questions about completing the preliminary visit questionnaire should be referred to the mentor or accreditation staff. The preliminary visit cannot take place until the completed forms have been returned to ACBSP headquarters. Reports During Candidacy - Action Plan It is a good idea for the business program to develop an action plan based on the Preliminary Site Visit Questionnaire and mentor feedback. The action plan includes a description of what needs to be accomplished before the school is ready to begin the self-study and a timetable for completion. It is also an ideal opportunity to outline the anticipated costs of accreditation, a plan for budgeting for these expenses and for invoicing by ACBSP for expenses required to be paid to ACBSP. Reports During Candidacy - Annual Report The business programs in candidacy are required to submit an annual report to the ACBSP office in September of each year. The annual report will address progress in meeting the accreditation standards and set forth a timetable for meeting program deficiencies. The business programs will determine with the mentor if a campus visit is needed. The mentor will file a separate annual mentoring report regarding progress to the ACBSP office in September of each year and will inform ACBSP of anticipated readiness for proceeding to the selfstudy. After the self-study is completed, an evaluation team will visit the business school to validate the correctness of the information provided in the self-study. The findings of the evaluators are first reviewed by the ACBSP staff for completeness, and then the accreditation champion is advised the feedback report is ready for their review and response from the president of the institution to learn if there is disagreement with the program evaluator s comments in the report. 6

13 After the president s response is loaded into the online reporting portal with ACBSP, the Board of Commissioners review all of the material mentioned above. The Board of Commissioners meets to review accreditation materials and award accreditation to those business programs that are in compliance with ACBSP standards. Recommendation to Proceed to Self-Study The business program must receive a recommendation to proceed to self-study from the mentor, with concurrence of the chief accreditation officer before starting the self-study process. The self-study for accreditation must take place within five years of the date on the application for candidacy or the business programs must request an extension. Prior to submittal of the self-study report, the school must notify the ACBSP office of the intent to submit the self-study report, by filing an Intent to Submit a Self-Study for Initial ACBSP Accreditation. ACBSP will notify the business programs they can proceed with the self-study when their mentor informs ACBSP that they are ready to write their self-study. ACBSP will send them an intent to submit self-study form. They will complete the intent to submit a self-study form and return it to ACBSP with the accreditation cycle identified that they prefer. The remainder of the accreditation fee, with credit given for the amount paid when the original application for accreditation was submitted, will be invoiced by ACBSP. People from the business programs are encouraged to attend ACBSP workshops on the accreditation process which are held each year at the annual conferences. If this is not possible or timely, an business program may request ACBSP to hold a one-day workshop on its campus for those individuals scheduled to be involved in the accreditation process. The business program is required to pay all travel expenses associated with this visit to the campus. SELF-STUDY REPORT Preparation of Self-Study Conducting a thorough self-study is the critical step for a business program to obtain its accreditation. The self-study evaluation report normally takes six months to complete. Upon completion of the selfstudy report, ACBSP will examine the material and make the necessary arrangements for a team of professional evaluators to conduct a site visit. It is important to note that the self-study is designed to focus on the role of the business school, division, or department in the overall framework of the business program. ACBSP does not review the programs and facilities of the entire institution, only the programs and facilities relevant to the business school or program. The Standards and Criteria for Demonstrating Excellence in Associate Degree Schools and Programs published by ACBSP are used by the business program in preparing the self-study document. The selfstudy should include specific consideration of each ACBSP accreditation standard and a candid assessment of the business school s or program s strengths and weaknesses regarding each standard. Unique characteristics of the business school or program not referenced in responses to individual standards, but which are significant in making the case for accreditation, should be set forth in the introductory section of the self-study report. 7

14 The ACBSP online accreditation reporting portal is used to complete and submit the self-study. When the business program locks the self-study in the online reporting portal that is their notification that ACBSP has received their report. The catalog covering the self-study year can be provided as an electronic form (a link placed in the evidence file in the online reporting portal). The self-study document must be completed and locked in the online reporting portal before final arrangements can be made for a site visit by a team of evaluators. Prior to submittal of the self-study report, the school must notify the ACBSP office of the intent to submit the self-study report, by filing a form available from the ACBSP website, and on page 6 of this book. For self-studies to be submitted on December 15th, the form must be submitted by September 1st of the prior year. For self-studies to be submitted prior to July 15th, the form must be submitted on March 1st. Applicants are encouraged to ask questions and if appropriate, work with their mentor, throughout the accreditation process. The staff of ACBSP is more than willing to help. EVALUATION TEAM SITE VISIT After the preparation of the self-study report, ACBSP will appoint a well-balanced team of trained program evaluators to conduct a site visit. ACBSP selects visiting team members from a pool of well qualified persons who have training and experience in the Association s evaluation process. The person designated as the chair of the team will be responsible for assuring that the visit is conducted objectively. The type of business program being evaluated and the programs offered by that institution determine the size of the team (usually three members) and the qualifications of its members. Evaluation Team Appointment To minimize potential conflicts of interest, ACBSP will constitute evaluation teams to the best of their ability so that: 1. No member of the team will have been a recent appointee or employee of the business program being considered for accreditation, nor will the team member have close relatives who are appointees or employees of the business program; 2. No member of the team will have been a graduate of the business program being considered for accreditation; 3. No member of the team will have expressed personal opinions bearing on the accreditability of the business school or program; and 4. No member of the team will currently be from the business program s own home state, unless requested or coordinated with the business program being visited. After the site visit dates are scheduled and the team is appointed, the business programs shall be responsible for all logistical arrangements including, but not limited to: hotel reservations, a meeting room on campus for team meetings, announcements of the arrival of the visiting team, and arrangements for the visiting team to meet with key staff, faculty, students, alumni and community groups. These arrangements should be coordinated with the chair of the ACBSP site visit team. 8

15 Once team members have accepted an accreditation assignment and a team chair has been designated, ACBSP will notify the program champion of the members' names and positions and the date of their visit. Access to the self-study report will be provided to each member of the evaluation team by ACBSP to the online reporting portal. Team members are expected to examine carefully, prior to the site visit, all materials from ACBSP and the petitioning business programs. Prior to the on-site visit, the team chair will work with the institution s head of the business program to ensure that support is available to have a successful visit. The team chair and the in conjunction with the program s self-study champion, the team chair is responsible for working on logistics, gathering information, etc. The team chair is also to keep team members informed about how the site visit arrangements are progressing and of the team s arrival and departure times. A checklist is provided to assist in preparing for the site visit (Figure 4, page 17). Before the consensus phone call the team chair will review the specific plans for the visit, establish which team member will be responsible for writing specific portions of the report, and generally organize the team so a successful visit is ensured. The agenda for the team s first meeting should include a discussion of the team s review to the self-study report and related materials; establishment of a timetable for each day of the visit, and a discussion of how Team members will usually arrive on campus the evening before the first day of the official visit. The team chair will notify the other members of the team of the time and place of their first team meeting, usually the evening before the first day of the visit and when the final evaluation report will be completed and forwarded to ACBSP headquarters (to be no later than two weeks after the visit is made). Evaluation Team Responsibilities During its first day on campus, the team should meet with the president of the institution, the head of the business school or program, and others as deemed appropriate. The team begins the process of evaluation by considering the business school or program in its entirety. As representatives of ACBSP, the evaluation team is responsible for verifying the information in the self-study report and evaluating the business school or program to determine whether the standards for accreditation are met. The team should try to accumulate as much pertinent information as it can, and use sampling techniques where appropriate to review the accumulated data. The team s findings should reflect its collective judgment about the clarity of the mission of the business school or program and the ability of the business school or program to deliver a quality educational experience to its students. A final team meeting should be held during the second day of the site visit at which time the team will seek to reach agreement on the proposed content of its report to the ACBSP Board of Commissioners. At this same meeting, the team chair should finalize plans for an exit interview with the head of the business programs. At the exit interview, the team chair will provide the business program representatives with an oral summary of the major points that will be in the team s written report. The team does not express any opinions as to whether the programs will be accredited - that is the sole prerogative of the Associate Degree Board of Commissioners. The team chair should make clear in the exit interview that the Board of Commissioners will make the final decision on accreditation. Each member of the evaluation team is responsible for writing a portion of the team s report. The team chair has overall responsibility for gathering this information from the evaluators on the online 9

16 reporting portal and preparing a comprehensive final report for the Board of Commissioners. The evaluation team report is to be completed no later than two weeks after the team s visit to the business program. The length of the team s visit will depend on the location(s), size, and number of programs offered by the business program. Sometimes it is not possible to visit all campuses or off-campus locations. A sample of multiple campus systems could be used. However, all campuses and off-campus sites must be considered before the evaluation process is completed, even though a visit to each campus is not required. Generally, three days is sufficient time for the on-site visit. It may take an extra day for extensive off-campus sites or systems with multiple campuses. Figure 4 Checklist of Activities in Preparation for Site Visit of ACBSP Evaluation Team Date Status Accomplished 1. Provide input to selection of evaluation team. 2. Obtain approval of dates for visit from president and head of business programs. 3. Confirm visit dates with ACBSP accreditation staff. 4. Receive team chair/team member s names from accreditation staff. 5. Confer with team chair to determine appointments of key personnel interviews and develop total schedule. 6. Identify appropriate resource room. Reserve and equip with exhibits, hard/software. 7. Make arrangements for lodging. 8. Make arrangements for meals. 9. Arrange transportation for team pickup during visit and return to airport. 10. Schedule appointments with: president/chancellor; business faculty, both full-time and part-time; governance leaders; fiscal officer; registrar; financial aid/placement officer; board members; graduates; employers; personnel director. 11. Plan social events to accommodate interaction with selected individuals listed in #10, i.e., luncheon, banquet, reception (keep social events to minimum). 12. Schedule exit conference and who should attend. 13. Assign support personnel for standby assistance to team. 14. Gather the following information for the resource room. a. Class schedules for the self-study year. b. Vitae of business program administrators, faculty, and staff. c. Evaluation instruments, reports, and surveys. d. Course enrollments for all business offerings for the self-study year, along with a key to interpret the course coding. 10

17 e. Business programs organization chart for the self-study year and the current year that shows all budgeted positions and the incumbent s name in a filled position for the self-study year and the current year. Status Date Accomplished f. Course syllabi. g. Placement/assessment instruments, admission forms, and policies. h. Catalog(s) for the self-study year and the current year. i. Regional accreditation self-study and a copy of the findings of the visiting team. j. Minutes of business faculty and advisory committee meetings during the self-study year. k. Faculty handbook(s). l. Student handbook(s). m. Additional documentation that supports the selfstudy and other information the institution feels would enhance the evaluation. 11

18 COMPLIANCE WITH ACCREDITATION STANDARDS Business schools and programs are expected to comply with the membership approved accreditation standards of ACBSP. The self-study report prepared by the business program should demonstrate that the compliance does exist. Business programs have the opportunity to request a deviation from a standard that is mentioned in ACBSP s publication Associate Degree Schools and Programs Standards and Criteria for Demonstrating Excellence for Business programs seeking Initial Accreditation and Reaffirmation of Accreditation. The deviation may be prompted by the unique mission of the institution or the business programs or by other extenuating circumstances, such as government or union requirements. When a deviation is requested, it is necessary to include the request in the self-study report and provide a written justification for the request. Deviations are not routinely granted they must be truly an exception that is justified and one that does not dilute the quality of the business programs. For further information, contact the ACBSP accreditation staff. POST-VISIT REVIEW AND RESPONSE After the site visit is finished and the team chair completes the final report, the report is forwarded to ACBSP headquarters via the online reporting portal. ACBSP then sends the team s report to the business program representative for review and comment using the online reporting portal. A written response by the business program is requested within ten business days of receipt of the report. After the business program s response is received by ACBSP, a report is prepared for review by the Accreditation Committee of the Board of Commissioners. ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE REVIEW The Accreditation Committee is composed of Associate Degree Commissioners. The chairperson of the Accreditation Committee may request the presence of any individual(s) that could provide information of a substantive nature to the proceedings. The Accreditation Committee reviews the evaluation team s report and the business program s response: 1. To determine if the team s findings support the granting of accreditation; and 2. To evaluate the business program's response to the team s report, especially if there is substantial disagreement between the business program s response and the team's report. After careful review of the visiting team's findings, the response of the business program, and other relevant materials, the Accreditation Committee makes its recommendations to the Board of Commissioners concerning action on the application for accreditation of business programs. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTIONS The Board of Commissioners is composed of nine elected Associate Degree Commissioners and one appointed member to represent the public. The Chief Accreditation Officer is ex officio members of the Board of Commissioners (nonvoting). The accreditation staff serves as secretary. 12

19 After the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee is made, the Board of Commissioners is required to take action on the recommendation. Action taken by the Board of Commissioners to accredit, to renew accreditation, not to accredit, or to change accredited status is taken only after reviewing the self-study report prepared by the business program, the report of the visiting team, the response of the business program to the team s report, and the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee. ACBSP will inform the public of decisions on accreditation status through the ACBSP website, Business programs must distinguish accurately to the public between programs that have achieved accredited status and those that have not. This may be accomplished through brochures, catalogs, websites or other means of effective public communications. At each level of review, both the number and seriousness of any deficiencies, if any, are taken into account, as well as the business program s willingness and capability to overcome them. The action on an application for accreditation can be one of the following. 1. Accreditation Granted Accreditation shall be granted to those business programs judged by the Board of Commissioners to be substantially in compliance with the ACBSP accreditation standards. If an business program is accredited with notes, the business program should address the notes in the next Quality Assurance report to ACBSP. The business program must have paid its current membership dues and the site visit expenses before accreditation is extended or reaffirmed. The business program will be notified, in writing, of its accreditation status. 2. Conditional Accreditation There are occasions when the Board of Commissioners may grant Conditional Accreditation because the existing deficiencies are considered minor and the president of the institution has pledged that the deficiencies will be remedied within a four-year time frame. When the deficiencies are ameliorated, the business program will report the improvement in the quality assurance report or write a letter to ACBSP asking that the conditions be removed. When deemed necessary, a Commissioner will visit the campus and make a determination of whether the deficiencies have been corrected. The report of these findings is made at the Board of Commissioners meeting for final disposition. If the deficiencies are not corrected within the time allowed, the accreditation may be placed on probation or the business program will be notified that its conditional accreditation status has been rescinded and its current status is unaccredited. 3. Accreditation Action Deferred When an business program is found to be in noncompliance with some of the standards, the Board of Commissioners may defer action until a later date (usually within three years) pending remedial action and/or receipt of additional information. The reasons for the deferral will be stated in writing by the commissioners, along with an invitation to respond. A deferral is, in effect, a ruling of no action at that time, and therefore cannot be appealed. 13

20 This action differs from conditional accreditation in two main respects: first, the noncompliance areas are extensive, and/or second, adequate information concerning compliance with standards was not included in the self-study document. 4. Accreditation Withheld Accreditation withheld applies to an initial or new application for accreditation. If accreditation is withheld, the Board of Commissioners will give written reasons for the denial of the application. The applicant has the opportunity to present its case, including new evidence, in a fair and impartial hearing before the Board of Commissioners at its next scheduled meeting. The procedures for this type of hearing are as follows: a. The request for such a hearing must be made within 15 days of the date of notification of the denial, it must be in writing, and it must be signed by the chief executive officer of the institution. The arguments and reasons in support of the request must be limited to the points enumerated in the written statement of denial; b. The business program may present only evidence not already considered. The business program may send one or more representatives, including legal counsel, to present its argument contesting the action taken by the Board of Commissioners. ACBSP records and may subsequently transcribe all proceedings of this type for its own use; and c. Based on the kind of new evidence presented, the Board of Commissioners may affirm, modify, or reverse its previous decision to deny accreditation. If the previous action of denial is upheld, the denial becomes final and no further remedy is available to the business program for the period of one year, after which the business program may reapply for accreditation. Action taken by the Board of Commissioners to accredit, to renew accreditation, not to accredit, or to limit or otherwise impose conditions on the granting of accreditation, is taken only after reviewing the self-study report prepared by the business program, the report of the visiting team, the response of the business program to the team's report, and the recommendations of the Accreditation Committee. At each level of review, both the number and seriousness of any deficiencies, if any, are taken into account, as well as the business program's willingness and capability to overcome them. ACCREDITATION PROBATION When an accredited business program is found to be in noncompliance with the ACBSP standards, the Board of Commissioners may declare the accreditation of that business program to be probationary. Probation is a serious status that places the business program s accreditation in jeopardy and may be preliminary to the consideration of withdrawal. The Board of Commissioners will inform the business program in a written statement of the reasons for probation, along with an invitation to respond. A Commissioner will be assigned to work with the business program to satisfy the conditions for the removal of probation. Probationary status requires a decision regarding continued accreditation by the Board of Commissioners within one year of the date of the board s action. 14

21 It is a principle of the Board of Commissioners that accreditation brings with it the good faith understanding by the accredited business program that continued accreditation requires that the business program remain in compliance with the standards and concur with ACBSP s Principles of Accreditation. Consequently, probationary action may occur when an business program is determined by the Board of Commissioners to be out of compliance with the standards or with the policies and procedures of ACBSP. This may include, but is not limited to, situations where an accredited business program: 1. Demonstrates a pattern of consistent non-compliance with the standards; 2. Fails to remove conditions of accreditation within the allotted time frame; 3. Fails to respond to directives or information requested by the Board; 4. Fails to comply with ACBSP directives with regard to promotional materials, and/or public perception of accreditation; 5. Demonstrates other significant inconsistencies with ACBSP accreditation policies and procedures; or 6. Meets any of the conditions listed as reasons for suspension. During the probationary period the business program maintains its accreditation status. ACCREDITATION WITHDRAWAL Accreditation may be withdrawn by ACBSP through two types of actions: 1) suspension of accreditation; and (2) revocation of accreditation. Suspension of accreditation may occur when, in the judgment of ACBSP, business programs no longer substantially complies with the standards of ACBSP. A judgment of suspension will always specify the time, conditions, and terms by which an business programs may regain accreditation through correction of the conditions that led to the suspension. Listed below are several, but not all, of the reasons for suspension. 1. When any component of an accredited business school or program is thoroughly examined and found not to be in compliance with current ACBSP standards. 2. When quality assurance reports filed by the accredited school or program fail to conform to ACBSP reporting requirements. 3. When any substantial or significant change in the operation, structure, governance, ownership, control, location, facilities, or programs of the business program are made without notifying ACBSP. 4. When the business programs fails to respond to inquiries or to cooperate in completing arrangements for a scheduled evaluation. 15

22 5. When the business programs have deviated from standards or directives of ACBSP. 6. When the business programs fails to file a Quality Assurance Report on a timely basis as required by ACBSP. 7. When the business programs have failed to pay its annual membership dues or accreditation fees. Outright revocation of accreditation rarely occurs; it most often follows suspension by ACBSP, and thereafter, the failure of the business programs to correct deficiencies noted by ACBSP. A judgment of revocation by ACBSP requires that the business programs begin anew the process of accreditation in order to regain it. In all cases where accreditation is subject to withdrawal, either by suspension or revocation, the business programs are afforded the following procedural guarantees: 1. Opportunity for a hearing before the Board of Commissioners on all material issues in controversy; 2. Written prior notice of the proceedings, the charges levied, and the standards by which the business program is ultimately to be judged; and 3. A right of appeal as set forth in the next section. Appeal Process Certain appeal procedures have been established for business programs whose accreditation is subject to withdrawal by way of suspension. These procedures are intended to provide due process to business programs claiming to be aggrieved by the withdrawal actions, but do not apply to decisions by ACBSP to withhold accreditation by means of denial of application. The business program must file an appeal with ACBSP, signed by the chief executive officer of the business program making the appeal, within 15 days after suspension notification by ACBSP. An appeal of withdrawal of accreditation by ACBSP must be on the grounds that such a decision was: 1. Arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise in substantial disregard of the standards or procedures of ACBSP, or 2. Not supported by substantial evidence in the record upon which the Commissioners based the withdrawal action. The Board of Appeal has no jurisdiction or authority concerning the reasonableness of the accreditation standards and procedures. Nor will the board members consider any evidence that was not in the record for review by the Board of Commissioners. 16

23 The Board of Appeal is a separate, independent appeals body established by ACBSP for the purpose of hearing appeals by business programs whose accreditation has been withdrawn. The Board of Appeal serves as another level of due process for business programs whose accreditation has been suspended. The Board of Appeal is comprised of five persons, each of whom must be a business faculty member or academic administrator of an ACBSP member business program. The appointment is made by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of ACBSP, which will also appoint the chair of the Board of Appeal. Terms of appointment are also set by the Executive Committee. The qualifications of each member appointed to the Board of Appeal must include knowledge of, and experience with, the accreditation process. An appointee may not be currently serving as a commissioner. The Board of Appeal is empowered to review, upon notice of appeal by an business program, the withdrawal of accreditation of that business program. The Board of Appeal has the authority to: 1. Affirm the decision of the Board of Commissioners; and 2. Remand the case to the Board of Commissioners with recommendations for further consideration if it finds the appeal to have been well-founded or justified. When a case is remanded to the Board of Commissioners, the recommendation of the Board of Appeal shall not bind or limit the Board of Commissioners in any way. When the decision of the Board of Commissioners is affirmed by the Board of Appeal, the appeal shall be deemed to be finally disposed of upon issuance of the Board of Appeal's decision. An appeal remanded to the Board of Commissioners by the Board of Appeal shall be deemed to be finally disposed of when the Board of Commissioners takes final action on the remand. A hearing will be held at a time and place designated by the chair of the Board of Appeal. Three members constitute a quorum. The Board of Appeal may be convened as necessary. Briefs may be submitted, prior to the hearing, by the business program and the Board of Commissioners in a manner prescribed by the Board of Appeal. The chair, or the member of the Board of Appeal designated in the chair's absence, will preside at the hearing. The chair will rule on all procedural matters. The hearing shall be as informal as possible and appropriate under the circumstances. The business program may waive personal appearance, in which case the matter will be handled solely on the submitted briefs. Every decision must have the concurrence of a majority of the Board of Appeal. Within a reasonable time following the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Appeal shall issue a written statement of the decision, along with its reasons for the decision and recommendation, if any, to the Board of Commissioners. Dissenting opinions may be filed. The majority opinion, with dissenting opinions, if any, will be furnished to the business program. Publication of the decision is the responsibility of ACBSP, however, it has no authority to withhold publication. 17

24 The appealing business program shall bear the following expenses in connection with the appeal: 1. Travel, housing, and subsistence for the members of the Board of Appeal participating in the review; and 2. Cost of the hearing room. An appeals deposit of $2,000 must be made with ACBSP at the time of filing of the appeals notice described. This deposit shall be applied to the expenses to be paid by the business program as described above. Prior to the hearing, ACBSP may increase the amount of the deposit required to meet a realistic estimate of expenses involved should they be likely to exceed $2,000. PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS PROCESS This policy provides two avenues in which to pursue a complaint an informal resolution procedure and a formal resolution procedure. An individual may utilize this policy to process a complaint about ACBSP, or any business program accredited by ACBSP. The assistant director of administration has established a mechanism for tracking all formal complaints. Individuals seeking information regarding the process of complaint resolution may consult with any of the following individuals for advice and assistance. Contact information for these individuals is available on the ACBSP website under the tab About ACBSP using the link for Contact Us. Assistant Director of Administration Chief Accreditation Officer Executive Director Associate Director of Accreditation Informal Resolution Procedure Complainants are required first to seek informal resolution of their grievances or concerns with the person or entity that is the subject of the complaint. This informal procedure is intended to encourage communication between the parties involved, either directly or through an intermediary, in order to facilitate a mutual understanding of what may be different perspectives regarding the act or directive prompting the complaint. If the informal process does not result in the resolution of the complaint to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant may utilize the formal complaint procedure. Formal Resolution Procedure The formal complaint shall be in writing and shall set forth a statement of the facts, the ACBSP policy or procedure allegedly violated, and the specific remedy sought. It must document that informal resolution has been attempted but failed. If possible, documentation exchanged between the two parties should be included. The written complaint will be acknowledged within five business days. If an acknowledgement is not received, it is incumbent on the person submitting the complaint to immediately contact the ACBSP office to verify receipt or to determine the process for re-submittal. 18

25 The formal complaint normally shall be filed as follows: All formal complaints shall be filed with the Assistant Director of Administration. The complaint will be logged in and given a control number. If the complaint concerns an accreditation issue, the complaint will be forwarded to the Director of Accreditation. If the complaint concerns a council issue, the complaint will be forwarded to the Executive Director. Each director may select a representative, other than the one designated in this paragraph, to handle these complaints. These individuals, or their offices, shall also continue to monitor and coordinate the complaint resolution process. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the director to whom the complaint was referred shall, within ten (10) business days, forward a copy of the written complaint to the respondent. One extraordinary circumstance would be to consider the complaint beyond the scope of the ability for ACBSP to resolve, such as a grade dispute between a professor and a student. Another circumstance that will cause the complaint process to stop at any time will be upon discovery that there is pending litigation in a court of law or action underway that may cause such litigation to be filed. Under these circumstances the director will confer with the complainant and document why ACBSP cannot be of further assistance. Within ten (10) business days after forwarding the written complaint to the respondent, the director will communicate with the complainant, requesting additional information, securing additional information in response to questions. The director shall also communicate with the respondent and conduct such additional investigation as he/she deems necessary. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a written recommendation shall be rendered via within ten (10) business days of the communications unless an extension is mutually agreed upon by the parties. The recommendation shall be sent to the complainant and respondent. The written recommendation shall state the background information, the rationale for the recommendation, and the recommended remedy (if any). For monitoring purposes, a copy of the report shall be sent to the Assistant Director of Administration who received the initial complaint. INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES This section provides the details on how member business programs are to provide ACBSP with information concerning substantive business program changes that impact their business school or program and that have occurred since the business program received accreditation from ACBSP. Substantive changes need to be set forth in a letter to ACBSP and/or in the business program's quality assurance report to ACBSP. Approval and/or acknowledgement of all substantive changes are required by ACBSP. This section also explains the procedures ACBSP will follow in approving such changes. Branch Campus It is the responsibility of the business program to notify ACBSP and to undergo a preliminary visit by ACBSP before identifying a branch campus as having accredited degree programs. Failure to notify ACBSP prior to initiation of a branch campus that offers business courses and degrees may jeopardize the business program's accreditation status. 19

26 The business program shall provide the rationale for initiation of the branch campus and the following information in a report to ACBSP: degrees awarded faculty qualifications learning resources student learning outcome processes and results physical and financial resources admission and graduation requirements compliance with state law evidencing authority to operate number of students administrative arrangements other information ACBSP may request. Permanent accreditation of degree programs at a branch of an institution can come only after an evaluation visit that must take place within six months of the opening of the branch. Only the Board of Commissioners, in a regular session, may designate permanent inclusion of degree programs at a branch campus as a part of the business program's accreditation. Each branch campus must complete a member enrollment form and pay one-half the annual membership cost of the main campus up to 30 branch campuses beyond which the fee is reduced further for the business programs at the branch campus to be accredited. Educational Sites or Other Instructional Sites It is the responsibility of the business program to notify ACBSP of the opening of educational sites or instructional sites that offer business courses. The business program shall provide the location and the educational purpose of the center or activity along with the number of students involved and any additional information requested by ACBSP. Branch Campuses and Sites ACBSP clarified certain definitions related to branch campuses and sites where education programs are provided. The definitions are as follows: 1. Main Campus Educational members that offer business courses or programs at several locations must declare one of these locations the Main Campus. 2. Branch Campuses A Branch Campus is defined by ACBSP as a teaching location that is: a. Geographically located away from the main campus; b. Permanent in nature; c. Offers courses in business programs leading to a degree; d. Has its own administrative or supervisory organization; e. Has its own budget; and f. Hires its own faculty, with or without the support of personnel from the main campus. 3. Educational Site An Educational Site is defined by ACBSP as: a. A site other than a branch campus or other instructional site; b. Geographically located away from the main campus; 20

27 c. Geographically located away from the branch campus; and is d. supported with faculty and administration from another campus. 4. Other Instructional Sites An instructional site is an off-campus site, other than a Branch Campus or an Educational Site, at which the business program offers one or more courses for credit. These sites may include, but are not limited to, high schools, corporations, community centers, and churches. Adding New Program(s) If a business school or program expands or plans to expand its curriculum by offering new degrees, new majors or concentrations, or a new emphasis after it has been accredited, then ACBSP must be notified during the early stages of the program planning and expansion in writing. Provide supporting information on: student enrollment, program objectives, faculty qualifications, student learning outcome assessment processes and results curriculum summaries for o professional components, o general education, and o the major must be sent to ACBSP. New degree programs or majors or emphases must be in effect for at least two years and have graduates before accreditation of them will be granted. Business school or programs should request the addition of new programs with documentation in the QA Report after two years and graduating students. If the new program is determined to be substantially different from other programs offered by the business program, ACBSP, at its discretion, may direct a new visit to be conducted. If, as a result of a new program visit, ACBSP determines that the overall quality of the business programs are being diminished, the business program may be scheduled for a complete re-evaluation. Program(s) Termination A decision by an accredited business school or program to voluntarily terminate a part of the business program should be communicated to all interested parties which includes, but is not limited to, students, governmental agencies, the local community, and ACBSP. New students should not be allowed to enroll in any program that is scheduled to be terminated if they cannot complete their work prior to the closing date for which public notice has been given. The business program is obligated to continue to offer appropriate courses, including prerequisites, so that the currently enrolled students will be able to complete the program. For this purpose, the period of time need not extend beyond sufficient time for students already enrolled, and maintaining normal academic progress, to complete the program. 21

28 Change of Institution Name or Location ACBSP should be notified immediately if an institution is contemplating changing its name and/or physical location. Change of Ownership The transfer of ownership or a major change in the controlling mechanism of an institution is considered to be a substantive change. ACBSP will handle changes of this nature as follows: 1. Automatic Discontinuation. Any change in ownership or control of an institution automatically results in immediate discontinuation of accreditation by ACBSP. Reinstatement of accreditation may be regained only upon application to and reconsideration by ACBSP. Because this discontinuation decision occurs without action or prior approval by ACBSP, this change of status does not constitute withdrawal of accreditation and is not a negative action. 2. Reinstatement. When automatic discontinuation occurs the accreditation may be reinstated at the discretion of ACBSP at such time and according to terms and conditions that it has established or may establish. The burden of application for reinstatement is entirely upon the institution. The Chief Accreditation Officer of ACBSP has the authority to grant a temporary reinstatement of accreditation for a period of time sufficient to allow for the consideration of all appropriate documentation. The temporary reinstatement period is not to exceed 12 months. 3. Effect. Until the application for reinstatement (either permanent or temporary) has been granted, the accreditation of the business program is in abeyance. If the reinstatement is withheld, the matter shall be treated as a deferral or a denial. Closing of Institution When ACBSP receives information, from whatever source, that an institution has ceased to operate, it shall immediately take steps to verify the information. If an institution has ceased to function, the grant of accreditation is summarily suspended. Such action is authorized without prior notice or hearing and with immediate public notice. The institution shall be notified, in writing, of the suspension at its last known address. If no petition to lift the suspension is received within 60 days of this notification, the suspension automatically becomes a revocation. MAINTAINING ACCREDITATION By successfully completing the process of accreditation, business programs tacitly agrees to abide by policies and procedures of ACBSP. The accredited business school or program will keep ACBSP fully informed of the activities being conducted in the business school or program at least every two years. To assist the business program in complying with this requirement ACBSP requires a Quality Assurance Report from each accredited business program every two years. 22

29 The purpose of the report is to keep ACBSP apprised of the business programal activities and changes that take place so a determination can be made that the business programs remain in compliance with ACBSP accreditation standards. Any activity or change within the institution and/or the business programs that alters the status of the business faculty, the business curriculum, the resources in support of the business programs, or other ACBSP accreditation standards must be reported in this Quality Assurance report. The following items should be addressed in the Quality Assurance report. A Quality Assurance report format is available for download from the ACBSP website, 1. If the accreditation is "conditional," each of the outstanding conditions needs to be addressed in terms of the progress being made to correct the deficiencies. 2. If "Notes" were set forth in the accreditation announcement letter, each "Note" should be addressed in terms of the concerns expressed in the "Notes," and the progress that is being made in ameliorating the concerns should be stated. 3. Faculty appointments - Provide a listing of all newly appointed faculty members, full- and parttime, in alphabetical order. This list should include highest degree earned certifications, and whether the administration views the faculty member master s or doctorate degree qualified, professionally qualified or an exception. 4. Curriculum changes - Describe any new academic programs in the business unit that have been established, and document any courses changes that constitute the Professional Component (PC) for each business major. Additionally, describe any revisions to existing degree programs and the rationale for the revisions and the extent to which the programs have been changed. List all degree programs that have been terminated or added during the academic year. 5. Organizational structure - Provide a description of any changes in the organizational structure of the institution that impact the business programs, and describe any change in the business programs administrative structure. 6. Off-campus sites - Indicate whether off-campus instruction has changed (i.e., additions or deletions) and document compliance with ACBSP standards where new sites have been added. 7. Financial resources - Describe any reduction in financial support that might have caused the business programs to be under-funded in carrying out its mission. 8. Report student learning outcome assessment processes and results. 9. Report stakeholder satisfaction assessment processes and results. In addition to the above, describe any and all other activities that have occurred that may have enhanced or adversely affected the business program s accredited status in terms of existing ACBSP standards. 23

30 In addition to requiring a report every two years, ACBSP reserves the right to conduct, at any time, special visits to or request specific reports from an accredited business program. These shall be rendered under conditions and within a time frame to be decided by ACBSP. Refusal of an business program to respond to or cooperate with such requests shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of its accreditation status or grounds for some type of conditional accreditation. If, at any time, ACBSP has substantive evidence that an business program is in danger of having its eligibility status with a federal or state agency or regional accrediting body withdrawn or made conditional, ACBSP may direct a special visit to that business program. The specified purpose of such a visit will be to ensure that the students attending the business program are not being harmed academically because of the business program's alleged noncompliance with federal or state regulations. Public Notification of Accreditation Once accreditation has been granted by ACBSP, an business program may denote this status in its official publications and/or advertising. The form of notice is prescribed by ACBSP and specific permissible language is set forth by ACBSP. Any questions about the form of the notice should be specifically answered via consultation with ACBSP. In communicating with the public, business programs must accurately distinguish between programs that have achieved accredited status and those that have not. This is accomplished through brochures, catalogs, websites or other means of effective public communications. In other less formal publications, ACBSP must approve statements referring to ACBSP accreditation. No business program is permitted to use the term "accredited" in reference to ACBSP unless it has been authorized by ACBSP to do so. The business programs must routinely provide reliable information to the public on its performance, including student achievement, such as assessment results, in responding to the ACBSP Standards and Criteria for accreditation in the self-study. The requirement is to report business programs aggregate student achievement such as, graduate rates, graduation numbers by program, retention, job placement, licensure, etc. The business programs must continue to inform ACBSP of this activity through Quality Assurance Reports that are completed every two years after the accreditation process is completed. ACBSP will inform the public of decisions on accreditation status made by the Boards of Commissioners at their two meetings each year, held in April and November, by posting the decisions on under this hyperlink in a section called Accreditation Decisions. Privacy of Accreditation Results Privacy of Accreditation Results The business program will be required to release information to ACBSP during the accreditation process. All information furnished by the business program shall be deemed confidential information ("Confidential Information"). ACBSP shall protect and safeguard all Confidential Information against unauthorized use, publication or disclosure. 24

31 ACBSP will not disclose, publish or reveal in any matter whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, the Confidential Information to any person not affiliated with ACBSP. This obligation of confidentiality shall not apply to information which is required to be disclosed by law or by regulatory or judicial process. Only directors, evaluators, staff and commissioners of ACBSP ("Qualified Persons") who need to know the Confidential Information may review the Confidential Information. ACBSP shall cause all such Qualified Persons to abide by this confidentiality requirement. Qualified Persons having a conflict of interest with the business program shall remove themselves from the evaluation process of that business program. Reaffirmation of Accreditation Full accreditation by ACBSP is for ten years. Conditional accreditation is for four years. An business program must renew its full accreditation within the calendar year of the ten-year period, or the accredited programs become unaccredited. The timing for renewal of accreditation is important to remember. The start date for counting the ten years commences with the date of the meeting of the Board of Commissioners when the accreditation was granted. For example, if an business program received accreditation status in April of 2010, then the business program must renew its accreditation in In this example, the self-study year for the renewal would be the academic year. Ideally the visitation team would make its visit in February or March of 2020 and the Board of Commissioners would take action at its April 2020 meeting. The accreditation renewal involves preparing a self-study and having a site visit by an ACBSP evaluation team. A mentor is not required, and there are no accreditation fees for reaffirmation of accreditation. During the time an business program is accredited, the membership dues are $2,150 per year. For those business programs that were granted "Conditional Accreditation" and, subsequently, had the conditions removed by eliminating the deficiencies that caused the conditional accreditation, the ten years begins with the date the business program received the conditional accreditation from the Board of Commissioners. Notices are sent to business programs from ACBSP that they should commence the process for submission of the self-study. ACCREDITATION TIMETABLE AND COSTS Accreditation Timetable A suggested timetable for the accreditation process is shown in here. It should be noted that the size of the business programs, as well as other considerations, will have a direct impact on whether more or less time is needed to complete the accreditation process. ACBSP looks to the business programs to establish a timetable that suits its own particular needs. Typically, it takes about two years to complete the entire accreditation process, however, more or less time may be needed by some business programs, depending on circumstances. The process can start at anytime. Completion of the application for candidacy starts the process. A copy of the form is provided on pages 11 and 12 of this book. Usually two months is required to respond to the standards and criteria in the preliminary visit questionnaire. 25

32 The mentor reviews the responses and provides feedback. Based on the feedback a visit may be scheduled to the campus to review the information in the questionnaire. It can take six months to a year to improve processes based on feedback from the mentor. The mentor advises ACBSP the business program is ready to write their self-study. The business programs submits the intent to submit a self-study form by September 1st for the December 15th accreditation cycle and by May 1st for the July 15th accreditation cycle. The business program completes the self-study in the online reporting portal and locks the selfstudy. Locking the self-study is their notification that it has been submitted. A site visit evaluation team is assigned to the business programs. The review and report of findings by the visiting team takes about one month. The team has a consensus phone call to review the self-study, identify strengths, opportunities for improvements and site visit issues. The team chair coordinates with the champion site visit issues and logistics. The team visits the business programs and is on site for approximately three days. The team produces a feedback report within ten working days from the end of the visit. The feedback report is reviewed by the ACBSP staff for completeness. The accreditation champion is notified the feedback report is ready for review. The president of the business program provides comments on the feedback report to learn if there is disagreement with the program evaluator s comments within ten working days of having access to the feedback report. The Accreditation Committee of the Board of Commissioners reviews accreditation materials from the business programs and makes the accreditation decisions. The accreditation decisions by the Board of Commissioners are reported after each meeting in April and November. The accredited business programs receive their accreditation certificates at the annual conference in June. The above timetable is a norm. ACBSP will work with a business program to establish a different timetable if necessary. Accreditation Costs The costs related to obtaining accreditation by ACBSP will vary slightly from business program to business program because of location of the business program and size of the visiting team. The annual membership fee for business programs not accredited is $1,350. The application fee for accreditation is $2,500. The annual membership fee for business programs in candidacy is $2,150. When an business program completes the self-study a $4,000 site visit deposit is required prior to sending a site evaluation team. 26

33 Unless there is more than one campus to be visited, the size of the team consists of three people. These team members are paid a small honorarium for their work, which is typically three days. The chair is paid $250 per day and the other two team members are paid $150 per day. Listed below is an approximation of the total "out of pocket" costs for accreditation: Membership Fee $1,350 Accreditation Application Fee $2,500 Preliminary Visits Estimated Costs $900 Honoraria - site visit team $1,650 Food and Lodging Estimated Cost $1,850 Total Estimated Cost $8,250 The business programs being visited is responsible for reimbursing ACBSP for all of the costs of the team visit. ACBSP will pay each evaluator after he/she files a Request for Reimbursement expense form and attaches receipts for the expenses, for review by ACBSP staff. ACBSP will then send an invoice to the business program being visited for all of the costs incurred by the team that are more than the $4,000 site visit deposit. If the expenses are less than $4,000, the school is issued a refund for the difference. The cost for annual membership for the main campus remains $1,350 prior to accreditation and $2,150 upon entering candidacy and after accreditation. A sliding scale is applied to all branch campuses, with the next 30 campuses paying one-half of the dues amount. Following that, the next 40 campuses pay one-fourth of the dues amount, with the 72nd campus and beyond paying one-eighth of the dues amount. One invoice is submitted to the main campus. Accrediting Associate Degree Programs at an ACBSP School with Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Programs Business programs seeking accreditation of associate degree programs that are integrated into baccalaureate programs must address the Curriculum Summary Table 6 for: the professional components, criterion 6.2 general education, criterion 6.3 and the major, criterion 6.4 Each associate degree program seeking accreditation must place a curriculum Table 6 in an addendum to the Baccalaureate/Graduate self-study. A separate self-study and site visit is not required. This information will be evaluated by the Associate Degree Board of Commissioners to determine if the associate degree programs should be accredited based on the Baccalaureate/Graduate degree Board of Commissioners accreditation decision. Baccalaureate business programs seeking accreditation for their Associate Degree programs must include at least one representative (evaluator) on the site visit team from the Associate Degree Commission when the associate degree programs are taught in a separate unit, at different locations, and with faculty designated to teach only associate degree courses. The requesting business programs must submit a self-study based on the Accreditation Standards for Associate Degree Schools and Programs. 27

34 REAFFIRMATION OF ACCREDITATION TIMETABLE AND COSTS Reaffirmation of Accreditation Process Timetable The ACBSP office notifies business programs several times prior to their approaching reaffirmation. A reminder is sent every two years in the Quality Assurance QA report feedback letter that they should initiate preparatory steps for the reaffirmation of accreditation process. Due to the comprehensive nature of the Quality Assurance reports that are required to maintain accredited status, it is expected that the time required to prepare a complete self-study document for reaffirmation of accreditation will be significantly less than for the initial accreditation process. The Accreditation/Reaffirmation Sub-Committees of the Board of Commissioners review the accreditation materials from business programs and present their recommendations for reaffirmation of accreditation of programs at the meeting of the Board of Commissioners during November and April each year. Action by the Board of Commissioners is reported at the ACBSP Annual Conference each June and reaffirmed business schools and programs receive Reaffirmation of Accreditation Certificates. Reaffirmation of Accreditation Costs The costs related to obtaining reaffirmation of accreditation by the ACBSP will be less than the cost for initial accreditation, but will vary slightly from business program to business program because of location and size of the visiting team. There is no accreditation application fees for reaffirmation of accreditation. The Quality Assurance reporting process is designed to make the reaffirmation process more effective and efficient as the QA report data and information will be used in the self-study. Assuming a minimum of a three-person visiting team, the estimated expenses for a site visit are as follows: Travel for Three Evaluators $1,175 Honoraria $1,650 Food and Lodging $1,175 Estimated Total $4,000 The host of the business programs is responsible for reimbursing ACBSP for all costs of the team visit. The ACBSP will audit and pay each evaluator after the team report is received and he/she files an expense report attaching receipts for the expenses. ACBSP will send an invoice to the business program for all of the costs incurred that are more than the $4,000 site visit deposit. If the expenses are less than $4,000, the school is issued a refund for the difference. 28

35 APPLICATION FOR CANDIDACY STATUS The application for candidacy status should be signed by the president (or CEO). APPLICATION FOR CANDIDACY STATUS ASSOCIATE DEGREE SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS To: ACBSP Date: West 119 th Street Overland Park, Kansas This is to notify you that as a member in good standing with ACBSP our business program is applying for Candidacy Status. We certify to the following: 1. Our business program is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States or has from the appropriate government organization in our country the recognition, accreditation, and/or their right to grant degrees. 2. Our business program has offered a degree(s) in business for at least two years and has the necessary approval from appropriate governmental bodies to confer the degree(s). 3. Our business program has a publicly stated mission appropriate to a college or university and the mission has been approved by the institution's governing body. 4. Our business program has reviewed ACBSP's accreditation standards and criteria and is desirous of meeting those standards and criteria. 5. We will be using the current Standards and Criteria for Demonstrating Excellence in Associate Degree Schools and Programs found on the ACBSP Gateway (website). Enclosed is our check in the amount of $1,250 for the application fee and the current catalog. Our business program will reimburse ACBSP for the travel expenses incurred in conducting the preliminary visit. The remaining $1,250 of the accreditation fee will be due following the preliminary visit. It is understood that our business program will comply with the information contained in the "Initial Accreditation, Candidacy" section of the Accreditation Process book. (Signed President or Chancellor or Rector) (Typed Name of Signer) (Title of Signer) (Institution's Name) 29

36 APPLICATION FOR CANDIDACY STATUS Page Two INSTITUTION TYPE: Public Private Number and location of campuses where a business degree can be earned: Business School/Program Enrollment: Associate Degree Business Programs Offered: Please indicate program level & degree type (ex: AAS Accounting) PRIMARY CONTACT FOR ACCREDITATION (Champion): Name: Title: Mailing Address: City, State, Zip Phone Number: Fax Number: address: ALTERNATE CONTACT FOR ACCREDITATION (Co-Champion): Name: Title: Mailing Address: City, State, Zip Phone Number: Fax Number: address: 30