Self-Study Materials

The process of evaluation is multi-dimensional. First, utilizing the self-study process, the school is encouraged to analyze and assess its own functions, its educational effectiveness, and its strengths and weaknesses in order to plan how it will maintain its strengths and correct its weaknesses, thus improving its level of educational quality and the effectiveness of teaching and learning. Secondly, the results of this analysis or self-study are reviewed by a visiting committee, which writes a report containing its observations and recommendations. The report is then reviewed and considered by the Commission when deciding whether or not to recommend an institution for initial accreditation or to reaffirm its accredited status. The grant of accreditation is recognition that, in the judgment of its peers, the school is performing satisfactorily in achieving the goals it has set for itself and that these goals are educationally sound when measured against the Commission’s Standards of Membership.

A decennial self-study takes at least one full year of preparation prior to the arrival on campus of a Commission visiting committee.

Workshops

One-day self-study workshops for self-study committee chairs and others are conducted by the Commission to assist schools.  Announcements of such workshops are made to those schools scheduled for visitation in 1½ to 2 years.