Proven Quality: The Heart of Accreditation
Kay Llovio, Ph.D. (‘85) Associate Provost for Educational Effectiveness
Integrity, improvement and evidence are at the hallmark of the accreditation process. Not unlike the “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval or the ISO 9000 standards, accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality defined by a set of standards. Students at accredited institutions of higher education receive such tangible benefits as eligibility for federal financial aid and transferability of credits and degrees. We have found at William Jessup University, however, that the true value of accreditation lies in the quality of the educational experience students receive because Jessup has willingly submitted to a process of evaluation and improvement.
Te journey with WASC began in 1989 when San Jose Christian College applied for eligibility. In the 13 years prior to SJCC receiving initial accreditation in 2002, peer evaluation teams helped us to crystallize our mission and define our identity as a Christian college. Never did WASC challenge our identity, but their insightful questions helped us prove our understanding of a Christ-centered liberal arts education in conversations and debates we might otherwise have bypassed in our busyness.
Student learning outcomes that describe and amplify our mission are another product of our relationship with WASC. Because they expect that “institutions collect, analyze and interpret valid and reliable evidence of learning as a way of assessing student achievement and success,” we have a plan for the university and each academic program to articulate learning outcomes that must be demonstrably achieved before graduation. Our University Learning Goals fit well with the character, skills and competencies that employers seek in college graduates. Achievement measures include standards designed at a national level and discipline- specific expectations. For example, all students must achieve a level of competence in written communication, but Business majors may write differently than English majors!
ACADEMIC APPROVAL
INSTITUTION APPROVAL
PRESIDENT APPROVAL
IMPLEMENTATION
ERG
FCC CHAMPION PROVOST AC DEPARTMENT DIVISION PAAT FACULTY
ET
IFBOARD NECESSARY
APD PRESIDENT
COMMUNITY MEETING
ERG IF NECESSARY WASC
LAUNCH L
ASSESSMENT &REVIEW
We are accredited by three different bodies, each for a different purpose, but all demanding commitments to student learning and success and to institutional integrity:
WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and the Senior College and University Commission, one of seven regional accrediting agencies that evaluates the entire institution;
ABHE (Association of Biblical Higher Education) for our Bible and Ministry degree programs;
CCTC (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) for our teacher credential programs.
Academic program development is a key element in the recent and future growth of the university and the accrediting bodies help us maintain balance between growth, mission and sustainability. Te new Master of Arts in Teaching degree was approved by WASC following a rigorous exploration of curriculum, graduate culture and appropriate resources. CCTC ensures that competencies needed by professional educators are embedded in each of our credential programs. ABHE sets a higher standard of biblical education and spiritual formation for students in ministry programs, which benefit other Jessup students as well. Having been involved in the accreditation adventure for more than a decade, I can assert that our relationship with accreditation encourages us to fulfill our mission with expanded vision and greater integrity.
JESSUP MAGAZINE | 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32