My institution is already accredited and is coming up for its next visit. Do I need to submit preconditions?
No, preconditions are required only of institutions seeking NCATE accreditation for the first time. However, your conceptual framework should be evident in the exhibit room. Also, depending on your state’s partnership agreement with NCATE, you may be required to submit program reviews approximately one year before the visit.
Who reviews the preconditions?
The Annual Report and Preconditions Audit Committee, comprised of representatives from NCATE constituent organizations, reviews Precondition #4, the conceptual framework. ARPA reviews Precondition #6 (#8 prior to 2009) documentation when the institution is not eligible for institutional accreditation. NCATE staff review the others.
How will I know whether my preconditions have been met?
After an institution’s preconditions documents are reviewed, NCATE sends the institution a report indicating whether the preconditions have been satisfied. If some preconditions are not met, the institution is asked to submit additional information.
What happens after the preconditions are met?
Once all preconditions are met, the institution is nominated as a formal candidate for NCATE accreditation by NCATE’s Unit Accreditation Board at its next meeting (April or October). The institution is then eligible for an on-site visit, and the dates of that visit are officially confirmed. In addition, the institution is authorized to advise its constituents that it has met its preconditions and is actively seeking NCATE accreditation. The Unit Accreditation Board must establish formal candidacy before an on-site visit may take place.
How long should the conceptual framework be?
The Unit Accreditation Board recommends that the conceptual framework be no longer than 40 pages, including tables and appendices.
What if I can’t have my preconditions in by the deadline?
If you miss the deadline, your documents will not be reviewed by the Annual Report and Preconditions Audit Committee at its next meeting. This will delay your institution’s advancement to candidacy and could ultimately postpone your visit.
What if I still have questions about preconditions?
Please contact Dana Leon-Guerrero, Accreditation Associate, at 202.466.7496 or dana@ncate.org.