The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accreditation Process: A Comprehensive Overview
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is the oldest educational accreditation agency in the United States and the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association. It serves the public and educational community by developing and applying standards assessing the educational effectiveness of elementary, secondary, and collegiate educational institutions. As an independent, voluntary, non-profit organization, NEASC works to establish and maintain high standards for all levels of education from Pre-K to the doctoral level. NEASC provides accreditation services for more than 2000 public and private institutions in the six-state region - Pre-K through university.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is the process whereby an outside organization certifies a college or university as meeting certain requirements of excellence. Accreditation provides assurance that an institution has been found to meet, and will continue to meet, stated requirements and standards. Accreditation is a process to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. Accrediting agencies, which are private educational associations of regional or national scope, develop evaluation criteria and conduct peer evaluations to assess whether or not those criteria are met. Institutions and/or programs that request an agency's evaluation and that meet an agency's criteria are then "accredited" by that agency.
The Purpose and Importance of Accreditation
Only accredited institutions are eligible to receive federal funds for higher education, including student financial aid and research funds. There are many good reasons to attend an accredited institution.
NEASC's Accreditation Approach
Emanating from high quality standards, NEASC accreditation uses self-reflection, peer review and best practices as integral components of its assessment process and monitors the follow-up endeavors leading to continuous school/program improvement. The accreditation process is peer-reviewed and determined by research-driven standards. NEASC Accreditation is a respected, effective, and time-tested methodology for school improvement and growth. It is not a single event, but rather an ongoing, voluntary cycle of comprehensive internal and external assessments, short- and long-term strategic planning, and periodic reporting sustained by professional partnership and support. It is intended to serve as a framework for schools to meet their own unique goals for student learning while maintaining alignment with research-based Standards for Accreditation that define the characteristics of high quality, effective learning communities.
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE)
CIHE of the NEASC is the regional accreditation agency for colleges and universities in the six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Three institutions in Greece, three in Switzerland, and one in Bulgaria, Bermuda, and Lebanon, respectively, are also affiliated with CIHE. The Commission consists of faculty and administrators from affiliated institutions and public members. It is served by a staff led by Dr. Barbara Brittingham.
Read also: Your Guide to New England Colleges
Who is on the Commission?
The Commission consists of faculty and administrators from affiliated institutions and public members. The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) maintains a database of more than 1,500 experienced senior educators, from all types of accredited colleges and universities, who have volunteered for this important task.
The Accreditation Cycle: A 10-Year Process
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accreditation process is a 10-year cycle designed to help schools establish and maintain high standards for student learning based on alignment with research-based Standards for Accreditation. The accreditation is comprised of a 10-year cycle of self-study, peer review and follow-up. To maintain its accreditation, John Stark will engage in a reflective self-study process this year, host a peer visit in the Fall 2022, develop a growth plan that addresses identified priorities, and prepare for an accreditation visit in 2024. In 2022-2023 Hanover High School began The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) reaccreditation process with a Self Reflection and a NEASC Collaborative Conference Visiting Team site visit.
Self-Study: A Deep Dive into the Institution
I know that Western is undergoing a Self-Study as part of the accreditation process. What does this Self-Study involve? The Self-Study is a process during which faculty, staff, and administrators take a very close look at the entire university, documenting its strengths and its challenges in a written report. Before the writing begins, Self-Study team members attend campus meetings, interview people, collect research and data, and review important documents. Yes! All aspects of the university are represented in the Self-Study.
Peer Review: An External Perspective
During this visit, a team of peer evaluators- all of whom are affiliated with an accredited college or university - will interview students, faculty, and staff; read and review documents and data; and tour the campus. Every aspect of the school is reviewed, and a written report is filed by the visiting team.
Standards for Accreditation
NEASC’s Commission on Public Schools (CPS) accredits public K-12 schools and uses seven Standards for Accreditation to review the school’s application for accreditation. The Standards for Accreditation guide all decisions.
Read also: BU: Courses and Programs
Accreditation for Catholic Schools
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in Bedford, MA accredits all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport. St. Mark School received its first accreditation visit from NEASC in 1997. NEASC representatives visited in May of 2017 for the ten-year review and St. Mark School is currently accredited until 2027. A yearly updated report is filed with NEASC each fall.
The Accreditation Process for Higher Education Institutions
An institution must first be licensed to operate in one of the six New England states and demonstrate that it meets the Commission's Requirements of Affiliation. The Commission determines whether or not an institution may apply for candidacy only after comprehensive review and on-site evaluation. The process begins with an in-person interview with Commission staff at the NEASC offices. The length of time to candidacy depends on a number of factors, including how long the institution has been in operation and the results of its on-site evaluations. An institutional accrediting agency evaluates the institution as a whole, applying the standards in light of the institution’s mission. Besides assessing educational programs, it evaluates areas such as governance and administration, financial stability, physical resources, library and technology, admissions, and student services.
Maintaining Accreditation: A Continuous Process
Accreditation is not for a specific period of time but is a continuing relationship that is subject to periodic review. Institutions provide information to the Commission annually and at other intervals depending on the circumstances. Comprehensive evaluations, including site visits by a team of peer evaluators, take place at least every ten years. The Commission holds four regular meetings each year to review institutional reports and reports of peer evaluation teams.
Notification of Results
When will Western be notified of the results of the accreditation review by NEASC?
Role of the Board of Higher Education
How does the Board of Higher Education license institutions and/or programs? The Board of Higher Education does not license institutions.
Read also: Learn about NECO
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