Think Like an Accreditation Reviewer

Think Like an Accreditation Reviewer

1

Michael JohnsonSenior Vice President/Chief of Staff

Southern Association of Colleges and SchoolsCommission on Colleges

Prepared for the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building

Memphis, TNFebruary 14, 2014

2

3Navigating Accreditation

Goals for this SessionWho is your reviewer?Reviewer likesReviewer dislikes and Red FlagsExamples and advice

4

Facts About Your Accreditation Reviewers

Peers at similar institutionsVolunteersNot from your stateHave higher education experienceNot reading materials cover-to-coverAre all from Missouri

5

6

What a Reviewer LikesDirect Answers

7

8

"Just the Facts, Ma’am.”

What a Reviewer LikesDirect AnswersStick to the StandardAppropriate Supporting DocumentsClean Navigation of MaterialsRequests for additional materials to be honored (On-Site Committees)

9

What a Reviewer DislikesAbbreviations/acronyms

10

THECBSCHEVIEARERMA

11

What a Reviewer DislikesAbbreviations/AcronymsAll Material Treated as EqualHunting within a DocumentWasting Time with Irrelevant InformationBeing Insulted

12

13

Red FlagUsing Future Tense in Reports!

“We will soon be developing expected learning outcomes for each of our majors.”

14

Red FlagSaying you are in compliance when you obviously are NOT!

“The institution maintains good control over all of its financial resources. The most recent audit management letter confirms this.” [management letter had 4 findings, with 2 material weaknesses and both of these also repeat findings.]

15

Red FlagTwo parts of the report contradict each other.

1. Standard on “institution-related entities” says that Michael College has no related entities such as a foundation.

2. The most recent Michael College financial audit mentions the “Michael College Foundation” in a Note.

16

Mike Johnson’s Top 12 List

17

18

ACCREDITATIONPARTY!