Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content

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

Months 13 - 24 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

Months 7 - 12 Prior to External Review

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

Months 3 - 6 Prior to External Review

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

Months 1 - 2 Prior to External Review

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)