2008 EPAS Handbook old

  • Release Date06/30/2009
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3.6.1. Initial Accreditation Decisions
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After reviewing the program’s Benchmark IV document and the Benchmark IV Review Brief submitted by the commissioner who conducted Commission Visit IV (including the commissioner’s recommendation) and the program’s response to the Benchmark IV Review Brief, COA makes one of five decisions:

  1. Grant Initial Accreditation for 4 Years. COA finds the program in compliance with all accreditation standards and educational policy and grants accreditation for 4 years.
  2. Grant Initial Accreditation for 4 Years with a Progress Report to be Reviewed by the Program’s Accreditation Specialist. COA finds the program in compliance with all educational policy and accreditation standards, but identifies one or more areas of concern that must be addressed in a progress report that the program’s accreditation specialist will review. COA’s letter identifies specific areas of concern and a due date for the progress report.
  3. Grant Initial Accreditation for 4 Years with a Progress Report to be Reviewed by COA. COA finds the program in compliance with all educational policy and accreditation standards, but identifies one or more areas of concern that must be addressed in a
    progress report that COA will review. COA’s letter identifies specific areas of concern and a due date for the progress report.
  4. Defer a Decision on Initial Accreditation to the Next Meeting and Request Clarifying Information. COA decides to defer a decision when the program’s documentation is insufficient to make a decision. A deferral is for one meeting only. Before the next commission meeting the program is expected to submit the documentation or clarification necessary for COA to make a decision.
  5. Deny Initial Accreditation. COA determines that the program is out of compliance with one or more educational policies and/or accreditation standards. COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance. The program has two options in response to the
    decision: (1) accept the decision and apply for candidacy by submitting a Benchmark I document or (2) to appeal by requesting a reconsideration of the decision. If the program accepts the decision it may submit a Benchmark I document and apply for candidacy status no earlier than the second COA meeting following the one at which COA made its decision.
Document Date: June 30, 2009
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