ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the national focus on accreditation of higher education and the expectations of accreditation bodies. It then discusses how online distance-education programs can prepare for a successful accreditation visit and conclude by examining federal and state efforts to address quality in distance-education programs. Distance-education administrators have experienced an increasingly pressing need to address course quality and design, faculty training and preparation, course assessment, and improvements in student readiness and retention. Online learning initiatives must be consistent with an institution’s mission and fully supported by its infrastructure, academic programs, technology, systems of governance, student support services, planning, and budget processes. A regional accreditation body evaluates an entire educational organization in terms of its mission and against established accreditation benchmarks and standards. Preparing for an accreditation visit provides an opportunity for administrative staff to reflect on and demonstrate a culture that values assessment, data-informed decision making, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
