Do’s and Don’t's of Accreditation Visits Barbara Ford San Francisco State University

Accreditation Coordinator’s Perspective

Preparing the Unit Do: Have Knowledge of the Process and the Unit Have a Team Communicate with everyone Develop Plan A, B, and C Plan Early

Do Have Knowledge of: Process Prior Experience Accreditation Frameworks Unit All Programs Committees All support Staff/Offices Unit processes Faculty personalities

Do: Have a Team With a representative from each area With experienced team members With an understanding of the process With roles and responsibilities during the visit

Do: Have Ongoing Communication With: Consultants Team Leaders Site Team Unit Faculty, Staff, Students University Personnel Community

The Visit Do: Expect the unexpected

The Visit Do: Prepare to be “on” 24/7 Be ready to implement Plan A, B, and/or C Involve Team Several contact points Listen Use the Consultants and Team Leaders

Do: Remember When the visit is over the accreditation process isn’t!