The Commission on Accreditation meets annually in January to review application materials, all supporting documentation, Visitors’ Reports, and Optional Responses.
Following the meetings, a written hard-copy letter describing Commission action based on the application materials — 1) the institution’s Self-Study, 2) the Visitors’ Report and, if applicable, 3) the institution’s Optional Response — is transmitted to the school executive and, if applicable, to the chief executive officer of the applicant institution within thirty (30) days of the Commission meeting. The letter of transmittal, known as the Commission Action Report, will contain a clear statement of the accreditation action. The Commission Action Report may also contain recommendations, however, the text of this communication distinguishes between accreditation actions and other matters, such as recommendations and commendations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Commission Action Reports
Is the Commission Action Report made public?
No, unless the action of the Commission is to place an institution on probation or to revoke accreditation. Otherwise, the only distribution beyond the addressee is to the institution’s president, and individuals designated by the institution. All ACCPAS staff and volunteers are obliged to maintain confidentiality.
May we publish the Commission Action Report?
Yes, but only in its entirety.
The ACCPAS Executive Director signs the Commission Action Report. Did the staff make the decision?
No, the ACCPAS Bylaws require that the Executive Director carry on the official correspondence of ACCPAS, including reporting Commission actions to institutions. Only the Commission can make the decision.
Why is our Commission Action Report copied to our President?
ACCPAS follows a protocol agreed to by all nationally recognized accrediting organizations.
Why is our Commission Action Report copied to our visiting evaluators?
The Commission Action Report is copied to the evaluators to inform them of Commission actions on materials the visitors produced, and thus to build the capacities and effectiveness of the visitors.
How do I interpret a Commission Action Report?
The best way to interpret a Commission Action Report is to review the cited references to institutional materials in light of cited Handbook standards and guidelines. For more information, see Possible Commission Actions. Please contact the National Office staff for assistance finding cited standards.
Further Information:
- ACCPAS Handbook, Rules of Practice and Procedure, Article XII, “Publication of Accreditation Actions by ACCPAS,” Article XIII, “Printed Recognition of Membership,” and Article XIV “Disclosure and Confidentiality”