Enhancing quality in higher education through specialized and professional accreditation

Application for ASPA Membership

To apply for ASPA Membership, an accrediting body must submit an application following either Pathway One or Pathway Two as outlined below.

ASPA's procedures for membership do not constitute a recognition process and do not certify the status, performance or integrity of accreditation agencies.

ASPA Membership Application: Pathway One

For use by an accrediting organization currently recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Before beginning the process the applicant is encouraged to review the membership eligibility criteria.  The ASPA staff is available to assist the applicant through the application process.

Process Applicants must submit an application that addresses each of the following questions.   The application is reviewed by the Membership Committee, which may seek clarifying information from the applicant prior to formalizing a recommendation which is then forwarded to the ASPA Board of Directors for review and action regarding membership in ASPA.

  1. Describe (limit to 1 page) how applicant agency meets ASPA's definition of specialized or professional and the supporting definitions (see definitions-specialized-professional).
     
  2. Demonstrate that the agency's governing body has endorsed the ASPA Member Code of Good Practice ; include a completed Code of Good Practice Endorsement Form.
     
  3. Provide evidence of adherence to good accreditation practice by submitting a copy of the "letter of recognition" from the USDE or CHEA which announces their recognition of your agency.
     
  4. Provide a brief statement (limited to 1 page) indicating: a) the nature and scope of accrediting activity, b) the date when accrediting activities were first initiated, and c) the number of programs currently accredited.
     
  5. Provide the name(s) and titles of the principal staff or volunteer contact/representative and elected officers.
     
  6. The letter of application must be signed by the chief executive or chief operating officer of the accrediting agency.
     
  7. Include a check for $500.  This non-refundable application fee will be applied to membership dues if granted membership.
     
  8. Include the Membership Application Checklist.
     
  9. Mail one paper copy of the application documents and email an electronic version to the ASPA office.

Applicants should note that membership is contingent upon payment of current membership dues.  Applicants will pay dues that are pro-rated based on the date of approval for membership.

 

ASPA Membership Application: Pathway Two

For use by an accrediting organization not recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Before beginning the process the applicant is encouraged to review the membership eligibility criteria. The ASPA staff is available to assist the applicant through the application process.

Process Applicants must submit an application that addresses each of the following questions.  The application is reviewed by the Membership Committee, which may seek clarifying information from the applicant prior to formalizing a recommendation which is then forwarded to the ASPA Board of Directors for review and action regarding membership in ASPA.

  1. Describe (limit to 1 page) how applicant agency meets ASPA's definition of specialized or professional and the supporting definitions (definitions-specialized-professional).
     
  2. Demonstrate that the agency's governing body has endorsed the ASPA Member Code of Good Practice; include a completed Code of Good Practice Endorsement From.
     
  3. Provide evidence of adherence to good accreditation practice by submitting a brief narrative statement (limited to maximum of 12 pages) that shows how the applicant meets the seven main sections (use the bullet points under each section to guide your response) of the ASPA Member Code of Good Practice.
     
  4. Provide a brief statement (limited to 1 page) indicating: a) the nature and scope of accrediting activity, b) the date when accrediting activities were first initiated, and c) the number of programs currently accredited.
     
  5. Provide organizational data about the decision-making body, including: a) the names and affiliations of council/commission members, and officers, b) the frequency of meetings, and c) the name(s) of principal staff or volunteer contact/representative.
     
  6. Provide a copy of the accreditation standards or evaluation criteria.
     
  7. Provide a narrative description of the accreditation process (limited to 2 pages).
     
  8. Include a listing of agency or agencies that recognize its accreditation activity (i.e. Certification Boards, Licensing Boards etc.)
     
  9. The letter of application must be signed by the chief executive or chief operating officer of the accrediting agency.
     
  10. Include a check for $500.  This non-refundable application fee which will be applied to membership dues if granted membership.
     
  11. Include the Membership Application Checklist.
     
  12. Mail one paper copy of the application documents and email an electronic version to the ASPA office.

Applicants should note that membership is contingent upon payment of current membership dues. Applicants will pay dues that are pro-rated based on the date of approval for membership.

(Adopted March 7, 1997; Revised: 2005, 2011)

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