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FORMS -- Include both forms below with Application (see instructions for
number of copies):
 The Membership Application Check List is in .pdf
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Membership Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for ASPA Membership, the accrediting body must:
- Be able to
demonstrate that it meets ASPA’s definition of Specialized or
Professional and the supporting definitions (see list of definitions).
- Be able to
demonstrate that the agency's governing body has endorsed the
ASPA-Member Code
of Good Practice [see the Code of Good Practice Endorsement Form].
- If recognized by
USDE or CHEA, follow Pathway One in preparing and submitting an
application for membership – see instructions below.
- If not
recognized by USDE or CHEA, follow Pathway Two in preparing and
submitting an application for membership – see instructions below.
- Submit the
application and other required materials, along with the appropriate application
fee. Effective July 1, 2001,
the fee is $500.00 -- Contact the ASPA Office to verify current fee.
- If these criteria
are met and the applicant is accepted into membership by the ASPA
Board of Directors, the term of membership will continue as long as the
agency is a member in good standing (see definition).
- Membership is contingent
upon payment of current dues.
Applicants should review the sample dues invoice to pre-calculate
the amount of dues. Groups accepted into membership at the spring
Board of Director's meeting will pay dues for the new fiscal year;
payment in full is due no later than July 1st. Groups accepted into
membership at the fall Board meeting will pay one-half the annual dues;
payment is due no later than January 1st.
(Adopted by ASPA
Membership: August 26, 1996)
(Revised: 2005)
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Definition: Specialized or Professional:
For purposes of membership in
the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors, a
"specialized" or "professional" accrediting body is
defined as one with a national scope that accredits higher education programs
or institutions that prepare individuals for entry into practice in a
specialized discipline or defined profession or educates individuals in a concentrated area of study.
For purposes of making the above policy operational, the
following definitions apply:
- accreditation:
An eligible member must be responsible for accreditation, i.e., the
process of evaluating educational programs or institutions and publicly
recognizing those which meet agreed-upon standards of quality or be an organizational member of an ASPA member organization responsible for developing and revising accreditation standards of quality and evaluating educational programs or institutions.
- accrediting
body: An eligible member must be a non-governmental
organization operated as a non-profit corporation, or a part thereof.
- national
scope: An eligible member must offer its accreditation services
in a geographic area which includes all states [and territories] of the United
States, as a minimum.
- higher
education: The primary entities accredited by an eligible
member must be located in institutions which are authorized to award
postsecondary degrees, certificates or other educational credentials,
excluding institutions which offer predominantly non-degree vocational
training.
- programs:
An eligible member must conduct programmatic accreditation, i.e.,
accredit colleges, schools, departments, units or other administrative
organizations within an institution of higher education, through which
curricula for professional preparation are offered.
- institutions:
An eligible member may conduct institutional accreditation in the case
of free-standing, single purpose organizations which offer curricula for
professional preparation and are authorized to confer postsecondary
degrees, diplomas or certificates. These institutions are eligible for
accreditation by a specialized or professional accrediting body by virtue
of their primary function of preparing individuals for entry into a
profession.
- entry into
practice: The entities accredited by an eligible member must
prepare individuals to achieve basic competencies and attain the minimum
educational qualifications necessary to begin functioning in a specific
occupation.
- discipline:
The entities accredited by an eligible member must prepare individuals
in a branch of knowledge, science, art or business that has application
in a specific occupation, usually requiring significant specialized
training, or
- profession:
The entities accredited by an eligible member must prepare individuals
for a defined occupation which requires its practitioners to acquire a
body of specialized knowledge and become proficient in basic skills and
competencies, for which the practitioner is then accorded certain
societal benefits, including title and autonomy in carrying out the
work.
- specialized: The entities accredited by an eligible member must educate individuals in a concentrated area of study.
(Definitions
Adopted by ASPA Membership: September 14, 1998; Revised: September 11, 2006)
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ASPA - Member Code of Good Practice
An accrediting organization holding membership in
the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA):
1. Pursues its mission, goals, and objectives, and conducts its
operations in a trustworthy manner.
- Focuses primarily on
educational quality, not narrow interests, or political action, or
educational fashions.
- Demonstrates respect
for the complex interrelationships involved in the pursuit of excellence
by individual institutions or programs.
- Exhibits a system of
checks and balances in its standards development and accreditation
procedures.
- Maintains functional
and operational autonomy.
- Avoids relationships
and practices that would provoke questions about its overall objectivity
and integrity.
- Analyzes criticism
carefully and responds appropriately by explaining its policies and
actions and/or making changes.
2. Maximizes service, productivity, and effectiveness in the
accreditation relationship.
- Recognizes that teaching
and learning, not accredited status, are the primary purposes of
institutions and programs.
- Respects the
expertise and aspirations for high achievement already present and
functioning in institutions and programs.
- Uses its understanding
of the teaching and learning focus and the presence of local expertise
and aspirations as a basis for serving effectively at individual
institutions and programs.
- Keeps the
accreditation process as efficient and cost-effective as possible by
minimizing the use of visits and reports, and by eliminating, whenever
possible, duplication of effort between accreditation and other review
processes.
- Works cooperatively
with other accrediting bodies to avoid conflicting standards, and to
minimize duplication of effort in the preparation of accreditation
materials and the conduct of on-site visits.
- Provides the
institution or programs with a thoughtful diagnostic analysis that
assists the institution or program in finding its own approaches and
solutions, and that makes a clear distinction between what is required
for accreditation and what is recommended for improvement of the
institution or program.
3. Respects and protects institutional autonomy.
- Works with issues of
institutional autonomy in light of the commitment to mutual
accountability implied by participation in accreditation, while at the
same time, respecting the diversity of effective institutional and
programmatic approaches, while at the same time, respecting the
diversity of effective institutional and programmatic approaches to
common goals, issues, challenges, and opportunities.
- Applies its
standards and procedures with profound respect for the rights and
responsibilities of institutions and programs to identify, designate,
and control (a) their respective missions, goals, and objectives; (b)
educational and philosophical principles and methodologies used to
pursue functions implicit in their various missions, goals, and
objectives; (c) specific choices and approaches to content; (d) agendas
and areas of study pursued through scholarship, research, and policy
developments; (e) specific personnel choices, staffing configurations,
administrative structures, and other operational decisions; and (f)
content, methodologies, and timing of tests, evaluations, and
assessments.
- With respect to
professional schools and programs, recognizes the ultimate authority of
each academic community for its own educational policies while
maintaining fundamental standards and fostering consideration of evolving
needs and conditions in the profession and the communities it serves.
4. Maintains a broad perspective as the basis for
wise decision making.
- Gathers and analyzes
information and ideas from multiple sources and viewpoints concerning
issues important to institutions, programs, professions, publics,
governments, and others concerned with the content, scope, and
effectiveness of its work.
- Uses the results of
these analyses in formulating policies and procedures that promote
substantive, effective teaching and learning, that protect the autonomy
of institutions and programs, and that encourage trust and cooperation
within and among various components of the larger higher education
community.
5. Focuses accreditation reviews on the
development of knowledge and competence.
- Concentrates on
results in light of specific institutional and programmatic missions,
goals, objectives, and contexts.
- Deals
comprehensively with relationships and interdependence among purposes,
aspirations, curricula, operations, resources, and results.
- Considers
techniques, methods, and resources primarily in light of results
achieved and functions fulfilled rather than the reverse.
- Has standards and
review procedures that provide room for experimentation, encourage
responsible innovation, and promote thoughtful evolution.
6. Exhibits integrity and professionalism in the
conduct of its operation.
- Creates and documents
its scope of authority, policies, and procedures to ensure governance
and decision making under a framework of "laws not persons."
- Exercises
professional judgment in the context of its published standards and
procedures.
- Demonstrates
continuing care with policies, procedures, and operations regarding due
process, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and consistent
application of standards.
- Presents its
materials and conducts its business with accuracy, skill, and
sophistication sufficient to produce credibility for its role as an
evaluator of educational quality.
- Is quick to admit
errors in any part of the evaluation process, and equally quick to
rectify such errors.
- Maintains sufficient
financial, personnel, and other resources to carry out its operations
effectively.
- Provides accurate,
clear, and timely information to the higher education community, to the
professions, and to the public concerning standards and procedures for
accreditation, and the status of accredited institutions and programs.
- Corrects inaccurate
information about itself or its actions.
7. Has mechanisms to ensure that expertise and
experience in the application of its standards, procedures, and values are
present in members of its visiting teams, commissions, and staff.
- Maintains a thorough
and effective orientation, training, and professional development
program for all accreditation personnel.
- Works with
institutions and programs to ensure that site teams represent a
collection of expertise and experience appropriate for each specific
review.
- Conducts evaluations
of personnel that involve responses from institutions and programs that
have experienced the accreditation process.
- Conducts evaluations
of criteria and procedures that include responses from reviewers and
those reviewed.
Adopted March 21, 1995
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Application for ASPA Membership - Process
To apply for ASPA Membership, an accrediting body submit an
application following either Pathway One or Pathway Two as outlined
below. Applicants are encouraged to
consult with staff in the ASPA office early in the application process.
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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)
INTRODUCTION
ASPA's procedures for membership do not constitute a
recognition process and do not certify the status, performance or integrity
of accreditation agencies.
Before beginning the process the applicant is encouraged to
review the membership requirements and conditions for membership. The ASPA
staff is available to assist the applicant throughout the application
process.
PROCESS – The
process begins with the submission of an application that addresses each of
the questions that appear below. Following submission, the application
is reviewed by the Membership Committee, which may seek further
clarifying information from the applicant prior to formalizing a recommendation
which is submitted 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 list of definitions).
2. Demonstrate that the
agency’s governing body has endorsed the ASPA-Member Code of Good
Practice [see the 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. Date when accrediting
activities were first initiated.
C. Number of programs
currently accredited.
5. Provide the name(s) and
titles of the principal staff or volunteer contact/representative and elected
officers.
6. Application for ASPA
membership must also include:
A. A letter of application
signed by the chief executive or chief operating officer of the accrediting
agency.
B. Payment of $500
non-refundable application fee which will be applied to membership dues if
granted membership.
7. One paper copy of the
application documents and either 11 additional paper copies, or the document
copied onto a CD or sent electronically as an attachment to the ASPA office.
8. Applicants should note
that membership is contingent upon payment of current dues. Applicants
approved for membership at the spring Board of Directors' meeting will pay
dues for the new fiscal year; payment in full is due no later than July 1st.
Groups accepted into membership at the fall Board meeting will pay one-half
the annual dues; payment is due no later than January 1st.
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ASPA Membership Application: Pathway Two
INTRODUCTION
ASPA's
procedures for membership do not constitute a recognition process and do not
certify the status, performance or integrity of accreditation agencies.
Before
beginning the process the applicant is encouraged to review the membership
requirements and conditions for membership. The ASPA staff is available to
assist the applicant throughout the application process.
PROCESS – The
process begins with the submission of an application that addresses each of
the questions that appear below. Following submission, the application
is reviewed by the Membership Committee, which may seek further
clarifying information from the applicant prior to formalizing a
recommendation which is submitted 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 list of definitions).
2. Demonstrate that the agency’s governing
body has endorsed the ASPA-Member Code of Good Practice [see the Code of Good Practice Endorsement Form].
3. Provide evidence of adherence to good
accreditation practice by submitting the information listed in A-E below.
While the following information is reviewed with care, ASPA’s review is from
the perspective of this being a “membership” Application.
A. Provide 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. (see web site)
B. Provide a brief statement (limited to 1
page) indicating:
1. The nature and scope of accrediting
activity.
2. Date when accrediting activities were first
initiated.
3. Number of programs currently accredited.
C. Include organizational data about the
decision-making body, including:
1. The names and affiliations of
council/commission members, and officers,
2. Frequency of meetings.
3. Name(s) of principal staff or volunteer
contact/representative.
D. Include a copy of accreditation standards
or evaluation criteria.
E. A narrative description of the
accreditation process (limited to 2 pages).
4. Application for ASPA membership must also
include:
A. A letter of application signed by the chief
executive or chief operating officer of the accrediting agency.
B. A listing of agency or agencies that
recognize its accreditation activity (i.e. Certification Boards, Licensing
Boards etc.).
C. Payment of $500 non-refundable application
fee which will be applied to membership dues if granted membership.
5. One paper copy of the application documents
and either 11 additional paper copies, or the document copied onto a CD or
sent electronically as an attachment to the ASPA office.
6. Applicants should note that membership is
contingent upon payment of current dues. Applicants approved for membership
at the spring Board of Directors' meeting will pay dues for the new fiscal
year; payment in full is due no later than July 1st. Groups accepted into
membership at the fall Board meeting will pay one-half the annual dues;
payment is due no later than January 1st.
(Adopted March 7, 1997; Revised: 2005)
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Member in Good Standing:
An ASPA member agency is a member in good standing if it:
- Is current in payment
of dues or assessments.
- Has endorsed the
current ASPA-member Code of Good Practice.
- Functions as an
accrediting agency in accord with its charter.
- Is in compliance with
the criteria for membership.
(adopted March 7,
1997)
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Reinstatement of Lapsed Membership:
An ASPA-member agency which withdraws from or allows its membership to
lapse may reinstate its membership under the following conditions:
- The agency must
reaffirm that it meets ASPA membership criteria.
- If the agency pays
ASPA current fiscal year dues no later than July 31 of the third year,
reinstatement will occur with no financial penalty or need to comply
with the membership process. The agency is eligible for this
reinstatement option once.
- After the period
designated under item "b" above, the agency must comply with
ASPA's then-current membership process.
(Effective Upon Adoption: September 14, 1998)
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Procedures for Membership Approval:
Any accrediting organization that seeks to become a member of the
Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors is required to follow
either Pathway One (if recognized by either the US Department of Education or
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation) or Pathway Two (if not
recognized by either USDE or CHEA).
See “Application” information above |