Doctrine of Integrity
In all relationships with the Council on Social Work Education and its Commission on Accreditation, a program shall demonstrate honesty and integrity. In submitting materials for candidacy, reaffirmation, or other accreditation-related review processes, the program agrees to comply with CSWE’s requirements, policies, guidelines, decisions, and requests. Accredited and candidate programs must evidence full and candid disclosure and shall make readily available all information necessary to determine compliance. Programs are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the data and information submitted. Presenting false or materially inaccurate information, either through intent or through failure to exercise care and diligence in verifying the information, is considered a breach of this policy. Programs are responsible for maintaining compliance with the EPAS during review and in-between review cycles.
Breaches of Integrity
The program’s failure to disclose information honestly and completely by presenting false or materially inaccurate information, by the intentional omission of relevant information, or by a distortion of information for the purpose of deliberate misrepresentation, will be considered a breach of integrity, in and of itself. It is crucial for each program to be aware that it will be held responsible for the actions of its representatives. Verification of any alleged instances of breaches of integrity that impact compliance with one or more accreditation standards is referred to the COA Executive Committee. The Committee may conduct an investigation that may result in sanctions that could impact the program’s accreditation or candidacy status. The result of this investigation may adversely affect the program’s accreditation or candidacy status with CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation.