Introduction to the Accreditation
Introduction to the Accreditation Standards
The following are publications of the Accrediting Commission, for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges:
Accreditation Reference Handbook
The Core Documents of the ACCJC are its
Eligibility Requirements and its Standards of Accreditation.
Eligibility Requirements for Accreditation
The Eligibility Requirements must be met completely in order for institutions to apply for eligibility for accreditation. Compliance with the criteria is expected to be continuous, and institutions that have achieved accreditation must demonstrate that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements in their self study reports.
Accreditation Standards
The Accreditation Standards are statements of best practice in higher education which institutions must meet or exceed when seeking initial accreditation and reaffirmation of accreditation from ACCJC.
The Commission Publications both inform institutions how to use
the core documents to assure their own institutional quality and
participate in Commission reporting requirements, and direct
individuals who serve on accreditation teams.
Accreditation Reference Handbook (published 2005)
This handbook contains the Eligibility Requirements for initial accreditation and reaffirmation of accreditation, the ACCJC Standards, and current policies of the Commission.
Distance Learning Manual (published 2005)
This manual contains information that will assist member institutions as they plan and evaluate distance learning programs. It also provides team members with information that aids in the evaluation of these programs. The Commission Policy on Distance Learning is included.
Eligibility, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation Manual (published 2004)
This manual includes the steps for establishing eligibility, candidacy, and initial accreditation by ACCJC as well as the Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards.
Guide to Evaluating Institutions (published 2005)
This guide contains questions that might be asked about institutional quality as each accreditation standard is considered. It also provides suggestions for what might constitute evidence that an institution meets the standard. It is intended for use by institutions as they write their self-study report and by teams when evaluating institutions.
Manual for Progress, Focused Midterm, and Special Visits (published 2004)
This manual provides direction and procedures for the guidance of chairs and team members when visits are required as a means for monitoring specific developments within an institution between comprehensive evaluations.
Self Study Manual (published 2005)
This manual contains suggestions for how an institution should organize for self study as well as forms that must be submitted as part of the self-study report. It is intended for use by institutions as they prepare for self-study and the self-study report.
Substantive Change Manual (published 2004)
This manual includes information on changes considered substantive, the process used for obtaining ACCJC approval substantive changes, the required format and content of a substantive change proposal, and the Substantive Change Policy.
Team Evaluator Manual (published 2005)
This manual is for use by individuals serving on teams. It outlines the responsibilities and activities of team service and contains forms used in reporting.