Division of Academic Affairs

Timelines Prior to External Accreditation Review

Departments and colleges that participate in an external (national/state) accreditation process through an official accrediting organization will begin meeting starting two years in advance of the external review site visit and will continue to have ongoing reviews until the review team visits campus. Once the review is complete, there will be follow-up meetings to discuss recommendations and to adhere to all accrediting agency requirements.

When the program receives the official letter from the accrediting organization granting national or state accreditation, the program Chair will notify the Program Review Coordinator, who will return a due date for the required supplemental items and any additional information to complete the on-campus abbreviated review as described for Program Review of Accredited Programs.

Department Timeline

Months Prior to Site Visit	Meeting Schedule
Months 13-24	2 meetings per semester
Months 7-12	3 meetings per semester
Months 3-6	1 meeting per month
Months 1-2	1 meeting per month and as needed

College Timeline

Months Prior to Site Visit	Meeting Schedule
Months 13-24	1 meeting per semester
Months 7-12	2 meetings per semester
Months 3-6	1 meeting per month
Months 1-2	As needed

Steps Prior to External Review

	Create an Accreditation Review Team Department Accreditation Coordinator College Assessment/Accreditation Coordinator Department Chair Associate Dean Professional development on accreditation requirements for review team members Review accreditation requirements Review team begins to meet Analysis of ongoing data collection
	Undergo Internal "SWOT" Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Review data collection needs Analyze data Write draft report Review draft report with Department, College Review Team, Dean's Office, Dean(s) of Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (as appropriate to the degree), University Faculty Director of Assessment Dr. Doug Fraleigh, and OIE AVP Dr. George Still Internal Accreditation Signature Form Instructions for Circulating the Internal Accreditation Signature Form
	Update Draft Report for Second Round of Reviews Review second draft report with Department, College Review Team, Dean's Office Ongoing meetings to discuss reviews Edit second draft report based on reviews Update draft report for final internal review Submit final draft to all levels for final review: Department, College Review Team, Dean, Dean(s) of Undergraduate/Graduate studies (as appropriate to the degree), University Faculty Director of Assessment Dr. Doug Fraleigh, and OIE AVP Dr. George Still Internal Accreditation Signature Form Instructions for Circulating the Internal Accreditation Signature Form
	Prepare Final Report and Host Site Visit Update final draft report Prepare for accreditation site visit All parties sign internal accreditation approval form Mock site visit (as needed/requested)