Site Visitor Report Template for Doctoral Programs Instructions: This form should be used by a Site Visit Team to compile and submit their findings of their scheduled Site Visit (please note that answers are limited to a length not to exceed 2,000 characters per answer). This form should be submitted to ACAOM by the designated Site Visit Team Chairperson at the conclusion of the scheduled site visit. Site visit teams only address the Eligibility Requirements for institutions and programs seeking ACAOM candidacy status. If an institution or program seeking candidacy is found to NOT MEET an Eligibility Requirement, the report must accurately document in what respect the Eligibility Requirement is not met. Examples of appropriate and complete site visitor comments can be found on the ACAOM website under the Site Visitor Resource Tab. Visit Identification Dates of Site Visit ACAOM Site Visit Team Chair ACAOM Site Visit Team Members Name of the School School Staff who participated in the ACAOM Site Visit Briefly describe the visit.
2 Page General Background What is the Institution's name and has there been any changes in institution name? What is the location of main campus and branch campus (if applicable)? When was the institution originally established? Is the institution is authorized to operate or grant degrees in the state where the program is located? What is the name of the state agency, which granted the authorization? Is the institution authorized to grant a doctoral degree in AOM? What is the legal structure of the organization (for profit/non profit corporation, partnership, etc.)? Have there been any changes in legal status (e.g., from sole proprietorship, partnership to corporation, or vice versa)? Have there been any changes in tax status (e.g., from for profit to non profit)? What is the accreditation history and status with other accrediting agencies, if applicable? What types of programs are offered ( MA in Oriental Medicine/ Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, massage, etc)? What is the type of program seeking candidacy or accreditation, the number of students in the program, and the languages (e.g., Korean, Chinese, English) in which the program is offered? Summarize their accreditation history with ACAOM. Briefly indicate whether the educational institution is authorized to operate and award degrees, certificates or diplomas by the state or jurisdiction where it operates. Indicate the authorizing agency.
3 Page Briefly confirm whether the institution and its AOM programs are operational with students pursuing AOM degrees, certificate or diploma programs. Briefly indicate whether the institution s AOM program(s) comply with relevant laws and regulations or cross reference the relevant section of the report that addresses such (Standard 2 Legal Organization). Briefly indicate whether the institution/program s mission, goals and objectives are clearly defined, adopted by the governance structure consistent with its legal authorization and appropriate to the credential granted upon program completion or cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 1). Briefly indicate whether the institution and its AOM programs provide evidence of basic planning. Briefly indicate whether the institution and its AOM programs document a funding base and plans for financial development adequate to support mission, goals and objectives or cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 13). Briefly indicate whether the institution devotes a sufficient portion of its income to support its AOM programs or cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 13). Briefly indicate whether the institution has a functioning governance structure responsible for the quality and integrity of the institution and its AOM programs and to ensure that mission, goals and objectives are being carried out as well as whether the membership of the governance structure is sufficient in size and composition (including representation of the public and program constituencies) to fulfill governance roles and responsibilities OR cross reference where these issues are addressed in the report (Standard 3). Briefly indicate whether the governance structure has a conflict of interest policy addressing all the elements of this Eligibility Requirement or include a cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 3) Briefly address whether the governance structure is capable of assuring that the institution and its AOM programs adhere to these Eligibility Requirements and provides accurate information about its programs and operations, including its status with accrediting agencies. Briefly address whether the institution has a CEO/President whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who does NOT serve as Chair of the governing body.
4 Page Briefly indicate whether the institution has a qualified administration that provide services necessary to support AOM programs and mission, goals and objectives. Briefly indicate whether the AOM programs are congruent with the institution s mission, whether they have appropriate published objectives, and whether they meet ACAOM standards for program content, length and rigor. Briefly indicate whether the AOM program(s) engage in a systematic evaluation of student achievement or cross reference where this is addressed in the report (Standard 7). Briefly indicate whether the AOM program engages in evaluating systematically how well and in what ways it is accomplishing mission, goals, objectives and expected program outcomes, including assessment of student learning and documentation of effectiveness or cross reference where this is addressed in the report. Briefly indicate whether the institution provides sufficient learning and information resources and services to support its AOM programs. Briefly indicate whether the institution has adopted and complies with admission policies consistent with its mission and which specify the qualifications of students appropriate for the AOM program(s) offered or cross reference where this is addressed in the report (Standard 6). Briefly indicate whether the institution has a core of faculty who are sufficient in number, backgrounds and experience to support the AOM programs offered or cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 9). Also briefly indicate whether the institution provides a clear statement as to faculty responsibilities, including those addressing curriculum review, development and assessment of learning outcomes or cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report. Briefly indicate whether the institution possesses adequate facilities for administration, faculty, students and services appropriate to its AOM program offerings or cross reference where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 12). Briefly indicate whether the institution provides student services and development programs to AOM program students, which are consistent with mission, goals, objectives and outcomes or provide a cross reference to where this issue is addressed in the report (Standard 10). Briefly indicate whether the institution publishes accurate and current information that describes
5 Page its purpose and objectives, admission policies and procedures, academic calendars, rules and regulations governing students, AOM programs and courses, degrees or credentials offered and their requirements, tuition, fees and refund policies, grievance procedures, academic credentials of faculty and staff, and other items relevant to attending and withdrawing from the AOM program(s) or cross reference where these issues are addressed in the report. Briefly indicate whether the program s purpose is within the Commission s scope of accreditation activities and whether the program is supported by an academic, clinical and administrative structure consonant with the goals and standards of professional doctoral education in the US. Briefly indicate whether the institution in which the Doctoral program is housed is institutionally accredited consistent with this Eligibility Requirement. Briefly indicate whether the program is offered in an institution that offers a Master degree level program in AOM, which is accredited by ACAOM or its equivalent. Briefly indicate whether the program is an integral part of the mission of the academic department, college, school or institution in which it resides and whether the program is represented in the institutions budget and strategic plans in a manner designed to enable the program to achieve mission, goals and objectives. Indicate whether the program has students in sufficient numbers and the facilities necessary to ensure meaningful peer interaction, support and socialization. Briefly indicate whether the institution offering the program has authorization from the state to award the doctoral degree or is actively seeking doctoral degree grading status for the program. Briefly indicate whether the program meets this requirement. Briefly indicate whether the institution has resolved outstanding Areas of Non Compliance for its ACAOM accredited or candidate master s level program(s) and has documented plans for strengthening any Areas Requiring Further Development. Briefly indicate whether the program conducts its operations with honesty and integrity.
6 Page I. PURPOSE Briefly describe and assess the institution s statement of purpose, including the purpose for its doctoral program relative to compliance with ER 1. Briefly describe and assess whether the program s goals, statement of purpose and educational objectives are sufficiently supported by program resources and are being achieved by the DAOM program. (Criterion 1.1) Briefly describe and assess whether the statement of purpose and educational objectives are reviewed by the institution s relevant communities of interests, and revised when necessary (Criterion 1.2) Briefly describe and assess the program s educational objectives relative to compliance with Criterion 1.3.
7 Page II. LEGAL ORGANIZATION Briefly describe the legal structure of the institution, authorization to operate and authorization to grant doctoral degrees. If applicable, briefly describe the institution s status and/or history with other accrediting agencies: Briefly describe and assess the program s compliance with relevant state, federal and local laws and regulations applicable to its operations. Briefly describe and assess institutional controls for off campus educational activities relative to compliance with Criterion 2.1.
8 Page III. GOVERNANCE Briefly describe and assess the institution s governance structure relative to compliance with Standard 3: Briefly describe and assess oversight for off campus educational activities relative to compliance with Criterion 3.1. Briefly describe and assess any agreements with other institutions to offer the program through a consortium consistent with Criterion 3.2.
9 Page IV. ADMINISTRATION Describe and assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the administrative staff for the doctoral program and their qualifications, including the qualifications and effectiveness of the doctoral program director relative to compliance with Standard 4 and Criterion 4.1. Describe and assess the academic leadership structure for the doctoral program relative to compliance with each of the elements of Criterion 4.2:
10 Page V. RECORDS: Briefly describe and assess the program s recordkeeping systems, including student academic records and whether they are accurate, complete, secure and maintained as confidential consistent with Standard 5/Criterion 5.1). Briefly describe and assess the accuracy, security and completeness of clinic patient records (Criterion 5.2) Briefly describe whether the program maintains and uses data required under Criterion 5.3 (i.e., student profiles showing the number of students enrolled, graduated, and readmitted; admissions data showing the number of applications received vs. accepted for admissions, and the ages, sex, educational backgrounds, and racial origins of the student body). Assess whether these data are used to evaluate and improve the program.
11 Page VI. ADMISSIONS: Briefly describe and assess the program s admissions policies, procedures and practices relative to compliance with Standard 6, Criteria 6.1 and 6.2. Briefly describe and assess the program s transfer credit policies, procedures and practices relative to compliance with Criterion 6.3. Briefly describe and assess the adequacy and completeness of the program s admissions policies relative to Criterion 6.4. Briefly describe and assess the adequacy of the program s planning process for developing and improving its admissions policies relative to Criterion 6.5. Briefly describe and assess whether the program observes honest, ethical and legal student recruiting practices consistent with Criterion 6.6 (e.g., avoids misrepresentation of the program). Briefly describe and assess the program s English language competency policies, procedures and practices relative to Criterion 6.7. Briefly describe and assess the program s policies, procedures and practices for allowing nonmatriculated students to take program courses relative to Criterion 6.8.
12 Page VII. ASSESSMENT: Describe and document the policies, procedures and practices for assessing program effectiveness. Also describe and document the policies, procedures and practices of the program for assessing student achievement relative to compliance with Standard 7/Criterion 7.1. Briefly describe and assess the program s methods for evaluating student achievement relative to compliance with Criterion 7.2. Briefly describe and assess whether the program makes a systematic effort to survey its graduates on their professional career development and how well the program prepared them for professional practice (Criterion 7.3) Briefly describe and assess whether equivalent methods and standards of student evaluation/assessment are applied at all program training sites, including externships (Criterion 7.4)
13 Page VIII. PROGRAM OF STUDY Briefly describe the program, including the type of program being offered, the area of AOM clinical specialty focus, and the key components of the program. Also assess the program s rigor relative to doctoral education in AOM, and the degree to which the sequencing, duration, nature and content of didactic, practical and clinical training experiences are appropriately integrated and consistent with its goals and educational objectives relative to compliance with Standard 8. Briefly describe and assess the degree to which the program meets the core curriculum and competency requirements of Criterion 8.1. Describe the clinical training program and assess its compliance with each of the elements under Criterion 8.2. Describe and assess the clinical research component of the program relative to compliance with Criterion 8.3. Briefly describe and assess whether the program has developed and properly enforces appropriate course prerequisites consistent with Criterion 8.4. Briefly describe and assess program length and maximum time for program completion relative to compliance with Criterion 8.5. Briefly describe and assess whether the program meets ACAOM s program residency requirements consistent with Criterion 8.6. Briefly describe and assess the program s compliance with Criteria 8.7 & 8.8 (Clock to credit hour conversion)/(completion Designation). Briefly describe and assess the adequacy of course syllabi relative to Criterion 8.6. Briefly describe and assess the effectiveness of any procedures used by the program for awarding credit for passing challenge exams consistent with Criterion 8.10.
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15 Page IX: FACULTY Briefly describe and assess the core and clinical faculty relative to compliance with the elements listed in Standard 9 and Criterion 9.1. Briefly describe and assess whether appropriate policies for faculty recruitment, appointment, promotion and retention have been adopted and published, including relevant provisions governing non discrimination and equal opportunity. (Criterion 9.4) Briefly describe and assess conditions of faculty service and benefits including whether there are adequate provisions for academic freedom and professional development relative to compliance with Criterion 9.3. Describe whether the program has made adequate provisions for regular and open communication among faculty and between faculty and the program s administration (criterion 9.4). Assess the effectiveness of those provisions.
16 Page X. STUDENT SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES Briefly describe and assess whether student services and activities reflect the program s objectives, create good student morale and assist students in the achievement of personal and professional growth consistent with their career goals. (ER 10/Criterion 10.1) Briefly describe and assess whether the school has published and implements appropriate policies governing students, including a statement of student rights, privileges, responsibilities and policies governing student discipline. (Criterion 10.2) Briefly describe and assess the effectiveness of the program s provisions for obtaining student input into institutional decision making (Criterion 10.3) Briefly describe and assess whether the program has adopted and properly implemented fair and efficient procedures for reviewing and responding to student grievances. Assess whether the program maintains proper documentation of grievances and their resolution consistent with ACAOM standards and whether the grievance procedures disclose ACAOM contact information to students advising them that they may contact the Commission if they are not satisfied with the program s resolution of the grievance? (Criterion 10.4)
17 Page XI. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES Briefly describe and assess whether the program possesses adequate learning resources and equipment to support the program, including a library with sufficient resources to support faculty and student scholarship and research at the professional doctoral level. (Standard 11) Specifically describe and assess adequacy of library resources relative to library space, access, and holdings relative to compliance with Criteria 11.1 and 11.3: Briefly describe and assess the qualifications and competence of the program s librarian relative to compliance with Criterion 11.2: Briefly describe and assess the adequacy of on site computer resources and whether they provide adequate support to faculty and students, including access to relevant biomedical and other databases relative to compliance with Criterion 11.4.
18 Page XII. PHYSICAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT Describe the facilities used to house the program, and assess the adequacy of the space to support the program, including classroom space, classroom and learning equipment, program student/faculty and staff space, and clinical facilities and equipment relative to compliance with Standard 11. Also describe and assess whether program facilities meet applicable laws and regulations, including federal, state and local; fire, safety and health standards relative to compliance with Criterion 12.1. Briefly describe and assess whether there are adequate provisions for cleaning, repair and maintenance of facilities and grounds, security, fire protection, etc and whether responsibilities for these areas are appropriately assigned.
19 Page XIII. FINANCIAL RESOURCES Describe and assess whether financial resources are adequate to support all professional programs. Also describe and assess whether there are adequate budgets prepared for the doctoral program that provide for all programmatic and support needs and whether the institution manages student enrollment into the program consistent with available resources. (Standard 13)
20 Page XIV. PUBLICATIONS AND ADVERTISING Briefly describe and assess whether all publications, advertising and other communications of information concerning the institution and its doctoral program are accurate, honest, clear and unambiguous relative to compliance with Standard 14. Briefly describe and assess whether the program catalog accurately and honestly sets forth all the elements required under Criterion 14.1. Briefly describe and assess whether program courses, services, personnel are accurately described (Criterion 14.2), whether publications and advertising accurately describe employment, career and licensing opportunities (Criterion 14.3), and whether they accurately describe the program s status with the Commission (Criterion 14.4).
21 Page XV. SUMMARY OF TEAM FINDINGS This section of the report lists all findings of the site visit team categorized by the type of finding (i.e., Compliance, Non Compliance, Area Requiring Further Development) Areas of Compliance: List all Standards in which the program is in compliance. Areas of Non Compliance: List all areas of non compliance identified by the site visit team in this section of the report Areas Requiring Further Development : List all areas requiring further development identified by the site visit team in this section of the report