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Benefits of Accreditation
The
process of preparing a self-study presents the school or program an
opportunity to examine its mission and how it is being achieved. The
self-study provides a directed, quality-based set of core values and
concepts about what a school or program should be. Through this
exercise, member schools have found both reaffirmation and
redirection of their mission. Perhaps the most important aspect of a
self-study is the renewal of purpose in faculty, students, and
administrators. While accreditation is the primary goal, the journey
can be the greater achievement.
Recognition of the unit through IACUE accreditation contributes to a
more positive review by regional accrediting bodies, since
specialized accreditation confirms quality programming in specific
divisions.
Institutions have reported increased contributions and gifts from
the corporate sector as a result of the prestige and credibility
derived from accreditation.
Students can use accreditation as an external benchmark to evaluate
the quality and value of their educational experience. Some
employers will only provide financial support to employees studying
for advanced degrees at accredited schools.
Faculty who hold high personal standards for their teaching and
research are assured they are being recruited to join an institution
that maintains and supports quality education. When a program has
been validated by peers from across the nation, accreditation
creates a sense of pride among the faculty.
Faculty members at accredited institutions are encouraged to become
evaluators and participate in site visits, sharing ideas on
curriculum development, exposing faculty to a global network of
education specialists, and providing opportunities for schools to
stay current in quality procedures.
Accreditation is achieving greater prominence as a valued tool in
the work of certain regulatory agencies. Employers, licensing
bodies, and regulatory agencies are reassured by the quality
standards embodied in IACUE accreditation standards. ¡@
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