DEAC - Distance Education & Accrediting Commission
DEAC - Distance Education & Accrediting Commission
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  • Discover DEAC
    • About Accreditation
    • The Importance of Accreditation
    • Staff
    • Accrediting Commission
    • Recognition
    • Bylaws of the Corporation
    • DEAC History
    • Honor Society
    • The DEAC Logo
    • FAQ for Institutions
    • FAQ for Students
    • FAQ General
    • Contact Us
  • Student Center
    • Institution Search
    • Military Service Members
    • Federal Financial Aid
    • Transfer of Credit
    • Complaint Process
    • Accredited High Schools
  • Seeking Accreditation
    • Applying for Accreditation
    • Eligibility
    • State Authorization
    • Accreditation Handbook
    • Online Training Center
    • Applications and Reports
    • Contact our Director
  • Volunteers
    • Apply to Volunteer
    • Evaluator Documents
    • Volunteer Training
    • Code Of Conduct and Disclosure Forms
  • Public Notices
    • Call for Comment
    • Accreditation Actions
    • Institutions to be Considered
    • Changes to the Handbook
    • Institutions on Show Cause
    • Closed Institutions
    • Voluntary Withdrawal of Accreditation
    • Accreditation Denial
  • Media & Events
    • 92nd Annual Conference
    • 2018 Outstanding Graduate and Famous Alumni Program
    • Newsroom
    • DEAC Annual Report
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Meetings
  • Resources
    • Radio Higher Ed
    • Washington Insights
    • Online Training Center
    • Distance Education Associations
    • Journal Center
    • DEAC Logo
Discover DEACAbout AccreditationThe Importance of AccreditationStaffAccrediting CommissionRecognitionBylaws of the CorporationDEAC HistoryHonor SocietyThe DEAC LogoFAQ for InstitutionsFAQ for StudentsFAQ GeneralContact Us

About Accreditation

Accreditation is the review of the quality of education offered by an institution or program. In the United States, accreditation is the primary way that students, families, the public, and government officials know that an institution provides a quality education. Accreditors, such as the DEAC, are private, non-governmental organizations created for the purpose of establishing standards of accreditation and reviewing institutions and programs against these standards. Each accrediting organization has bylaws or a constitution that describes the legal framework for its activities and operations.

The accreditation process entails

  • the preparation of a self-evaluation report – a detailed examination of how the institution meets accreditation standards and policies

  • a team visit and report prepared by a team of education administrators, faculty, and practitioners with specialized expertise who determine whether or not accreditation standards are being met

  • a final review and accreditation decision made by the accreditor’s decision-making council or commission. The Commission members typically include education administrators, faculty, members of the public and other experts in the education field.

Accreditation Standards – requirements accreditors establish in areas that include academic quality, curriculum requirements, faculty, student services, ethical business practice, academic support services, learning and research resources, administrative capacity and financial capacity. These standards are developed by the accreditor in consultation with the institutions, faculty, students, administrators and members of the public.

Accreditation Policies – set forth descriptions of the functions and activities of the accrediting organization. Policies typically describe the process of accreditation, substantive changes, due process, appeals, information sharing and conflict of interest. Policies are also developed in consultation with institutions and the public.

More information on the DEAC accreditation process is located in the DEAC Accreditation Handbook.

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