Chair's Corner
By: Olive M. Kimball, NAACLS: Clinical Laboratory Sciences; Chair, ASPA Board of Directors

With the wind chill dipping into in negative double digits here in Chicago, it is most pleasant to remember the sunny warmth of Scottsdale and our very special September 2003 meeting. We fittingly celebrated our tenth anniversary, we studied what we have achieved in the last decade and began to thoughtfully determine the direction in which we should now go forward.

Reviewing the accomplishments was, and is, a satisfying exercise. Over time ASPA's credibility has been greatly enhanced and it has come to play a significant role in advocating better understanding of the concerns of specialized and professional accreditors. We, through ASPA, are increasingly active participants in the higher education and accreditation communities. We are making a difference.

More difficult, and perhaps somewhat less satisfying at this point, is the task of creating our future -- planning for achievements that ASPA members in 2013 can celebrate. Together we began a concerted planning process in Scottsdale. After that, in November, the ASPA Board met to review the Scottsdale discussion, other member comments and to consider where ASPA aspires to go.

At the March meeting in Chicago, in addition to conducting ASPA business and engaging in traditional professional development activities, we will continue to plan together. For our planning to culminate in practical strategies, we must have the active participation of all ASPA members in addition to the wise council of good friends in higher education. Please join us in Chicago as we continue to celebrate the road we've traveled and as we determine the next one we should take. Working together, ASPA can continue to make a difference!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

Arizona 10-Years Later

Even before ASPA had a name, the founders of ASPA convened a meeting at the Arizona Biltmore to discuss the need for an organization that would represent specialized and professional accrediting bodies. In the fall of 2003, also in Arizona, ASPA celebrated its tenth anniversary. The lush setting of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort was a welcome framework as ASPA set about the business of planning its next ten years. Paul Gaston, ASPA vice-chair and provost, Kent State University put on his facilitator's hat and helped participants assess what ASPA has achieved and look at possibilities for the future. This comprehensive initial discussion will be used as the members and elected Board work together to set ASPA's future priorities.

Other Fall 2003 Meeting Highlights

• Celebrating ASPA's Leaders: Current and former chairs of the ASPA Board of Directors had special roles in helping ASPA assess its accomplishments since 1993. Three former chairs spoke at the meeting but all were honored with a special award and thanked for their outstanding service to ASPA. In the order of their terms, the chairs are:
  • Sherril Gelmon, founding chair, Professor of Public Health, Portland State University
  • Milton Blood, first elected chair, Managing Director, AACSB International: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Carol Bobby, Executive Director, CACREP: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • David Werner, Chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • Betty Horton, former Director of Accreditation and Education, COA-NA: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, now retired
  • Current chair, Olive Kimball, CEO of NAACLS: the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

• The Shared Goals of Regional and Specialized Accreditors: Student Learning Assessment, Information Literacy, and ASPA Members' Suggestions" - Jean Morse, Executive Director, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and liaison to ASPA from C-RAC: Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions provided an update of recent MSA initiatives and offered to take ideas back to her colleagues in C-RAC.

• Working Together for the Greater Good: Mary Ann Swain, provost, SUNY-Binghamton, represented both AAU: The Association of American Universities and NASULGC: The National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges at the Fall 2003 ASPA meeting. Dr. Swain spoke briefly and then engaged members in dialogue on ways that institutions and accreditors might interact to better reflect their mutual concern about quality education. Just as tight budgets may force institutions to cut some programs and make better use of existing resources in others, accreditors were challenged to review their standards with a similar "is it essential in tough times" attitude. Other discussion focused on the loss of US jobs to other countries, institutional capacity to support the programs offered, linking the term of accreditation to how fast a profession changes, and, as professional boundaries blur, the importance of interdisciplinary activities.

• ASPA Accreditation Profile Project: Elizabeth Hanke, president, DataWise, Inc, was at ASPA's Fall 2003 meeting to discuss database design options and obtain clarification of the goals behind some of the more challenging profile questions. The Profile Project will update basic information about participating accreditors, in a database rather than hard copy format. This format change will allow responses to be grouped, tabulated and listed for all members of the groups. Some data elements will be searchable while other text-based responses will be listed in reports. When distributed, the more user-friendly results will replace the "compendium" notebooks that were distributed to all participants, both member and non-member, in spring 2001. (Note: Work on this project continues and the project will be discussed again at the Spring 2004 meeting.)

• Legal Issues in Accreditation - Navigating the Minefields: ASPA's Professional Development Committee worked with Lucien "Skip" Capone, University Counsel at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Roger Swartzwelder, an attorney with Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC, and former staff members of ACICS: The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to present an interactive and useful program. Skip's comprehensive paper "What, Me Worry" An Overview of Legal Concerns for Accreditors' is in the RESOURCES section of the ASPA web site (www.aspa-usa.org). With proper attribution to ASPA and Mr. Capone, ASPA encourages you to make use of this paper.

• Saying Good-by to Marga: ASPA says thank you and bids a fond farewell to Marga Rose Hancock, former public member of the ASPA Board. Marga worked with Betty Horton on special activities for the Fall 2003 10th Anniversary celebration. She hopes to stay in touch with the world of accreditation and the "ASPAans" of whom she has grown fond.

Accreditors Profile
By Paul Gaston

Long before "synergy" became a buzz-word, the four nationally recognized accreditors for the arts disciplines found a way to align their interests, to create clear efficiencies, and to offer an example of positive and constructive partnership. How? By sharing the same national office and staff.

Although the accrediting agencies for art and design (NASAD), dance (NASD), music (NASM), and theatre (NAST) have maintained their autonomy and their respective focuses on the preparation of professionals, they have developed a common accreditation framework offering similar processes. As a result, institutions can coordinate accreditation reviews and compare findings. Executive director Sam Hope, who serves the "four leaves" through a robust and responsive "clover," observes that "Common approaches save time, energy, and money."

The aptitude of these agencies for such fruitful cooperation lies in their sharing of a number of conceptual issues, according to Hope. "Art making involves a specific way of thinking and acting. Artists' habits of mind and work are different than those of other professionals.

In the arts, technique is essential, but it alone is never enough. The process is not the content. Art makes systems, but systems alone do not make art. In the arts, the new adds to the old, rather than replacing it. Quality is far more prized than efficiency, patience is far more important than speed. The goal is artistic uniqueness, not machinelike sameness, even in reinterpretations of standard works. Assessment is integral and constant."

In fact, a commitment to assessment lies at the heart of the artistic ethic, according to Hope. "The arts are about demonstrable public results. There is literally no place to hide. Ultimately, theory or rhetoric does not matter. A work must speak for itself."

Hence, the voluntary commitment on the part of member institutions to accreditation reflects also a commitment to essential artistic values. "The independent and common efforts of each of the four associations mix the habits of mind and work unique to the arts, realistic judgments about possibilities and boundaries, the intense dedication of artists/teachers, the fundamental value of mutual responsibility, and time-tested American political principles." Call it luck, work, synergy or some combination, the arts' clover has created a standard for perennial effectiveness.

This interview with Sam Hope was written by Paul Gaston, ASPA Vice-chair and Provost, Kent State University. See www.arts-accredit.org for more information about the four arts accrediting organizations.

Save the Dates: Sept. 13-14, 2004
Fall 2004 ASPA Professional Development
"Standards Revision - Everybody Does It"

Every accrediting agency needs to review and revise its accreditation standards. Some questions though are when, who, how and how often. The Professional Development Committee is putting together a program to help agencies evaluate their own revision processes and to provide some tips on how we can all become more effective and efficient.

You may contact committee co-chair, Ron Leighton, with comments at leighton@asla.org

March 2004: Springtime in Chicago

• Elections: During the business meeting on Monday morning, March 29, ASPA members will elect the officers of the association and vote for members of the next Nominations Committee. Joyce Urbeck (ACOE: Optometric Education), Joanne Greathouse (JRCERT: Radiologic Technology) and Kathleen Megivern (CAAHEP: Allied Health) are putting together the slate of candidates for the Spring 2004 elections. The slate, along with brief biographical information, will be mailed to all members prior to the meeting.

• Planning for the Future: As we approach the Spring meeting and during the meeting, the ASPA Board will be seeking member input on assorted topics that emerged from the fall discussions. One of these topics, the frequency with which ASPA should meet, will be addressed by a panel of your peers on Monday morning.

• Sunday Special Working Session: Last fall, ASPA and many ASPA members accepted the invitation and offered comments to CHEA's Committee on Recognition (COR) for use as COR assesses its Recognition Policies and Procedures. The review timeline that accompanied the first call for comments indicates that a first draft will be ready for public review in February - March 2004. During a Sunday afternoon working session, members of ASPA will first discuss and then work together to develop comments on the draft. This is an opportunity to provide helpful feedback to CHEA. The ASPA Board of Directors encourages all members to attend this session.

• Sunday Accreditation Showcase: Special guest, Dr. Tom E. Benberg, Associate Executive Director, SACS/COC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, will update us on "Changes in Accreditation in the Southern Region." SACS has separated its review into two parts. Following a compliance audit, an on-site review focuses on the school's QEP: Quality Enhancement Plan. What, if any, implications does this new approach to reviews have for specialized program reviews? Tom is hoping for an interactive session, so come prepared to ask questions.

• Spring 2004 Professional Development: "What's Your Color? and Other Human Resource Questions - see related article.

• ASPA Memory Book: Many of you wrote memories, provided photographs, or made some other contribution to the memory book displayed at the Fall 2003 meeting. ASPA's archivist, former chair Betty Horton, has documented that meeting and included photographs of the special birthday celebration. The result will be displayed at the Spring 2004 meeting. Extra photos will be available during the Sunday reception.

Spring 2004 Professional Development - "What's Your Color" and Other Human Resource Questions
By Susan Sweet, AOA-BPE: Osteopathic Medicine; ASPA Committee Co-Chair

It is essential that accreditors hire and retain the most qualified staff, evaluators or reviewers, and decision makers. The Spring Professional Development Committee has developed a program that embodies this principle from item seven of the ASPA-Member Code of Good Practice. "What's Your Color" and Other Human Resource Questions will identify good human resource practices that all accreditors can use.

On Monday afternoon, March 29 Janet Bezner will present "The Color Profiles. Understanding How to Communicate and Relate in Your Preferred Style." This program will enable the participant to:

Tuesday's program will feature Richard Lehr who will help us navigate human resources. Included in his presentation will be discussions of how to hire and retain good employees, how to motivate volunteers and employees, and how to identify problem volunteers or employees -- and then what to do with them.

Richard is the President of RGL Consultants, which provides a wide range of consulting services to small and medium-sized organizations in the fields of employee relations and human resources management. Richard also has been a guest speaker on human resources topics for a wide range of professional groups, and has been active in governance of World at Work (formerly the American Compensation Association) since 1965.

Come prepared for two days of fun and information. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago on March 29-30.

What is your color?

Things To Do in Chicago

Chicago is a city of skyscrapers, museums and has a wide range of events. It is easy to get around by taxi or public transportation. Sightseeing and entertainment abound, by day or night. Make the time to see what's going on!

• Chicago Architecture Foundation/Archi-center: Explore Chicago's architecture through more than 70 tours. Take a tour on foot, by bike, boat or bus and learn why Chicago is so famous for its magnificent architecture. Tours available every day. Telephone: 312-751-1380

• The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the world's greatest art museums, with collections dating from 3,000 B.C. through the present including famous French Impressionist paintings and drawings; fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; photography, textiles and architectural works. "Rembrant's Journey" is open through May 9. See www.artic.edu or call 312-443-3600

• Museum of Science and Industry: The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the country's pre-eminent centers for informal science and technology education. The Museum's mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Telephone: 773-684-1414

• Navy Pier: This landmark has over 50 acres of parks, shops, restaurants and entertainment attractions. Enjoy the Ferris Wheel, musical carousel and Wave Swinger. Telephone: 312-595-7437

• Broadway in Chicago: Located in the heart of the downtown Theatre District, see a variety of the finest touring Broadway musical plays and dance. The Phantom of the Opera runs from March 3-April 11, 2004. Telephone: 312-977-1700

• Cite Elegant Dining: Check out elegant dining on the 70th floor of the prestigious Lake Point Tower. Newly renovated and noted for its gracious service. Exquisite cuisine and unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline. Call: 312-644-4050

• Handy Websites: www.chosechicago.com www.hottix.org

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  Book Your Room
  Spring 2004 ASPA Meeting
  March 28-30, 2004
  DoubleTree Guest Suites
  Downtown Chicago

  ASPA's group rate at the city's finest
  all-suite hotel
  $109/night plus taxes
  Call for reservations:
  312-664-1100 or 1-800-753-7174
  www.chicagodowntownsuites.doubletree.com

  Specify that you are attending the ASPA Spring Meeting.

  Hotel Room Block Release Date:
  March 1, 2004

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  Spring 2004 Overview and Registration Forms

  Enclosed with this mailing is an overview schedule for ASPA's Spring 2004 meeting to be held starting at 12:30 pm Sunday and ending at noon on Tuesday, March 28-30, in Chicago, IL. Member and non-member registration forms are enclosed and have also been posted to the MEETINGS section of the ASPA web site: www.aspa-usa.org.

  If you need another copy of the schedule, please send an e-mail to Diana at the ASPA Management Office. Her address is: ASPAes@AOL.com.

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  New Board Members

  Three new members of the ASPA Board of Directors began their terms on July 1, 2003 and have been enthusiastic in their commitment to ASPA.

  Brian Andrew - public member: Brian is a member of the St Louis, MO, office of Husch & Eppenburger, LLC and the Chair of the firm's Health Law Practice Group. Brian works with a wide range of issues with his many health care clients, but focuses on physician-hospital, managed care, and medical practice issues. Brian developed an interest in accreditation while working as assistant counsel to the American Optometric Association.

  Brian's wife Sue is a 3rd grade teacher. His eyes shine when he talks about his 25 and 22 year-old sons. Brian loves to hunt and has a trip planned to Kirgyzstan (in Central Asia). He also "enjoys (1) horse racing (attending and handicapping, not riding); (2) reading, especially Civil War history, Lutheran theology, and Russian literature; and (3) travel."

  Claire Felbinger - practitioner member (Public Affairs & Administration): Claire is the Senior Program Officer for Transportation Policy and Management at the National Academy of Science's Transportation Research Board in Washington, DC. Besides her job at the Transportation Research Board, Claire edits a peer reviewed journal called Public Works Management & Policy: Research and Practice in Transportation, Infrastructure, and the Environment.

  Claire says that she and her husband have the best of all worlds - they live in DC but spend time on the Chesapeake Bay, and vacation in Key West.

  They spend the Christmas holidays in Key West because "that way we are able to entice at least one set of the seven grandchildren (and their parents) to visit. We are smart enough to put them in their own condo." Other activities include boating, sport fishing on both fly and reel, the DC Embassy Concert series and an occasional gospel brunch at the Corcoran.

  Mary Jane Harris - accreditor member (Physical Therapy): Mary Jane is Director of the Department of Accreditation of the American Physical Therapy Association and has been in that position for about four years. Mary Jane began her career as a physical therapist and a physical therapy educator. She was also active in APTA prior to accepting a staff position about ten years ago.

  Mary Jane is a busy single who loves to travel. Her recent trips have been to eastern Mediterranean areas. Although Mary Jane admits to being a child of the 50's/60's who doesn't see television as being a vast wasteland, she spends time reading current fiction and is currently embroiled in home remodeling and redecorating.

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  Chicago's Local Weather in March: The average high temperature is 45°F and the average low temperature is 28°F.

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  How to Contact ASPA:

  Cynthia A. Davenport
  Executive Director, ASPA
  1020 W. Byron Street; Ste 8G
  Chicago, IL 60613-2987
  Phone: (773) 525-2160
  Fax: (773) 525-2162
  E-mail: aspa@aspa-usa.org
  Web: www.aspa-usa.org

  Diana Castaneda
  ASPA Management Office
  20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2262
  Chicago, IL 60606
  Phone: (312) 630-9660
  Fax: (312) 630-9882
  E-mail: aspaes@aol.com

  ASPA News is not copyrighted. With a courtesy acknowledgement to ASPA, it may be reproduced in whole or in part in the interest of education or good accreditation practice. Current and back issues are posted to the ASPA web site. A few additional copies may be available upon request.

  ASPA News is Edited/Produced in January and July
  by: Cynthia A. Davenport
  and Diana Castaneda