Julia Paris & Ivy Segoe 15 November 2010 Preparing for an international accreditation: a case study from the Health Sciences Julia Paris & Ivy Segoe 15 November 2010

ACCREDITATION IN PROCESS

CONTENTS: Definitions Background 3. Chiropractic case: how it started 4. Tasks that were carried out 4. Lessons learnt 5. Conclusions

DEFINITIONS: Accreditation is a process whereby an organization or agency recognizes a college or university’s program of study as having met certain predetermined qualification standards. It is a demonstration that programs meet certain quality standards as outlined by the accreditation body The goal is to strengthen & sustain the quality and integrity of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence Institutions voluntarily apply to receive accreditation from different bodies or accrediting agencies Institutions that have a sense of commitment and desire to contribute towards developing a learning society, can apply to become Accredited provided they satisfy the criteria laid down for accreditation

BACKGROUND 1. NATIONAL AUDIT 4. INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION 2. FULL ACCREDITATION 3. NATIONAL AUDIT OF FACULTY

THE CHIROPRACTIC CASE What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is a health care discipline and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system. It is generally categorized as complementary and alternative medicine.

CHIROPRACTIC CASE: HOW IT STARTED Invitation from the Head of the Chiropractic Department Planning session with Dr. Chris Yelverton

TASKS THAT WERE CARRIED OUT: Preparation of documents Programme review Self Evaluation Portfolio (2009) Annual reports Quality Audit documents Preparation of the library as a physical facility (Team effort) Shelves Displays Audio-visual library Research room Interlibrary loans Signage Institutions that have a sense of commitment and desire to contribute towards developing a learning society, can apply to become Accredited provided they satisfy the criteria laid down for accreditation

PANEL EVALUATION 3 day site visit Evidence Evaluation Facility tours Interviews

LESSONS LEARNT Planning ahead is a must Cooperation is vital Opportunity to assess strengths and weaknesses New insights Plans for improvement Stronger relations with Faculty

CONCLUSIONS Accreditation is a learning experience, a humbling experience, a culture and a habit as well Pride for contribution Motivation Ensures quality Advancement of the status of the library staff

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