Accreditation: Seven Perspectives From Outside Academia

Abstract

In this essay, I look at the question of nonprofit academic program accreditation from the perspective of various groups external to the academy. How do those who are not program and center directors look at accreditation? What is the person without academic titles such as professor or senior lecturer, the everyday person, likely to say? What about the constituents considered important to academic nonprofit programs such as students, parents, nonprofit organizations, donors, and legislators. The thoughts expressed here are not based on extensive literature reviews or scientific research but rather various discussions over the years, experiences getting support for starting and maintaining programs, and listening to public comments and observations in the media. Perhaps they will stimulate thought on the topic, and if so, then they are worthwhile.