Accreditation Updates
“Take a step, step againThe next right thing”
Some of you may recognize the above lyrics from the song “The Next Right Thing” sung by the character Anna in the Disney movie Frozen 2. The lyrics first began playing over and over again in my head a few months ago after ACPE’s decision to withdraw from our USDE recognition. Today, these same lyrics capture some of the heaviness I have felt in taking up the mantle of Accreditation Chair at this particular moment in time. Even as Marc Medwed’s absence looms large in the everyday work of the commission, we are forging ahead, one step at a time.
The lyrics from the song “The Next Right Thing” capture the grief I feel and my resolve to continue on—not only with the day-to-day work of the Accreditation Commission but also as a member of the Task Force. Despite the difficult timing, I left the Task Force's first meeting feeling hopeful that this group will be equipped to do the challenging work of seeking to better understand what happened with the USDE and discern the best way forward. While I do not know what the future holds, I remain grateful for the work and dedication of all those who have said yes to serving ACPE during these tumultuous times.
With all this in mind, here are some important updates from the Accreditation Commission:
1. Accreditation Cohort Updates
We have updated the accreditation cohort assignments for 2025. Please check the spreadsheet available on SharePoint at this link to check your program’s commissioner/cohort assignment. Commissioners will also be reaching out to programs in the next few weeks to introduce themselves and schedule regular check-in sessions with their cohorts.
2. Portfolio Review Process for 2025
The 2025 Annual Report Form, due March 1, 2025, is now open at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/243543220254144. Please note that if your program is scheduled for a site visit in 2025, you are not required to complete the Annual Report Form as your portfolio will be reviewed in depth during the site visit.
3. Portfolio Structure Standardization
The Accreditation Commission has decided that we need to transition away from using One Note for Accreditation portfolios and into a streamlined folder-based organization. While this change will have the most impact on programs currently using One Note, all programs will need to ensure that their portfolio aligns with the Accreditation Structure Portfolio Requirements, which have been uploaded to SharePoint, prior to the program’s next 6 Year Site Review process. We hope that following this standardized approach will make it easier for you to maintain your portfolio and at the same time help our review teams to do their work more efficiently.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the above, please contact your assigned commissioner.
Appreciatively,