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Accreditation process:
Educational/ training accreditation may be conducted at the organizational level or the programmatic level. Organizational accreditation means the characteristics of an entire institution are considered during accreditation process.
A specialized or programmatic accreditation body, such as the GACC, focuses on an individual program within an institution. Its primary concern is programs within institutions that prepare students for a specific profession or occupation, such as HR. Using a thorough review process, the GACC ensures the scope and quality of programs, and organizations. As a student/customer, you can be assured these objects meet the high standards set forth by the GACC. In the United States, specialized accreditation is closely associated with professional associations. And the concept of non-government, not-for-profit accrediting bodies reviewing academic programs is gaining momentum and acceptance worldwide. The GACC confers accreditation only upon the degree programs within institutions that meet the following accreditation standards and process.
There are four steps to the Accreditation process: 1. Letter of Intent
Candidate institutions/organizations
begin the process by submitting a Letter of Intent to the attention of the
GACC. § The complete institution name and school/college/ department within the institution that is submitting the application; § Exact title and short description of the degree(s) conferred upon completion of the program(s). § The applicant should clearly state the primary delivery format for each degree submitted for accreditation; § The reason why the program is seeking GACC Accreditation at this time; § A statement verifying the institution’s accreditation by a recognized accrediting agency or appropriate government agency; § A description of the program’s administrative structure, including budgetary support; § A statement of the mission or vision of the applicant program; § A statement detailing the admissions policy for the applicant program(s); § A description of any special entrance enticements/incentives offered to attract students to the applicant program; § A description of the student market [students who enroll and graduate from the applicant program(s); § A statement that the program(s) have been in operation for a minimum of two years, with at least one graduating class, and including the number of graduates; § The approximate date when the applicant intends to submit its Self-evaluation Report; § The name(s) of the appropriate program points of contact at the applicant institution [P.S. include name(s), title(s), address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es)]. § A complete statement of academic requirements to satisfy the degree program, including a listing of core and elective courses required for each degree. Upon receipt, the Letter of Intent is reviewed by the GACC for compliance. If the letter is found compliant, the applicant institution begins work on its programmatic self-evaluation report. In addition, once the Letter of Intent has been accepted, Applicants become “Candidate Institutions,” and begin receiving informative communications from the GACC regarding the accreditation process, as well as the GACC monthly update newsletter. 2. Prepare Self-Evaluation Report
The self-evaluation process is challenging for
the applicant institution, as it requires the applicant to reflect and
report on the purposes and effectiveness of its program(s). Applicants
have up to six months to prepare and submit this report, which presents
evidence to demonstrate that HRMI Standards for Accreditation are being met
by the program. • Mission • Demonstration of Achievement of Mission • Academic Community/Faculty and Staff • Student Support Services • Student Selection • Program Outcomes • Human Resources Core Learning Outcomes • Student Performance Criteria • Library/Learning Resource Centers and Educational Innovations and Technology • Financial Resources, Facilities and Equipment Once complete, the Candidate Institution submits printed copies, as well as an electronic copy of the Self-evaluation Report, to the attention of the GACC. After receipt, copies are forwarded to all HRMI Board members for review and consideration. Upon acceptance of the report, the Candidate Institution is notified, and the on-site visit is scheduled. 3. Onsite Visit Evaluation The dates of the on-site visit are agreed upon by both the GACC Board and the Candidate Institution. GACC Board on-site visit teams are normally comprised of one team lead and one or two additional team members. At least one member of the team will be a HR practitioner, and at least one member of the team will be from the HR academic community. During the on-site visit, team members: § Follow up on any question raised by the GACC Board during the review of the self-evaluation report § Spend time interviewing key administrative officers, program representatives, faculty members and students that are enrolled or have graduated from the program § Review any classroom facilities, library resources and other resources used to support the program GACC Board on-site visits typically require two to three business days to complete. The Candidate Institution is responsible for lodging and all expenses associated with the visit. At the completion of the visit, the team presents its findings to the Candidate Institution for review and verification. The final On-Site Visit Report and recommendations are then forwarded to the GACC Board for a final decision. 4. The GACC Decision Upon receipt of the On-Site Visit Report, the GACC Board makes its final decision regarding a Candidate Institution’s program at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The decision is based on the collective evidence provided by the Letter of Intent, Self-evaluation Report and On-Site Visit Report. The GACC Board then votes to either: 1. Grant Certification 2. Defer Certification 3. Deny Certification Applicants are notified in writing of the ruling within 30 days of the decision by the GACC Board. Any inquires about education or training programs accreditation, email Council@HRMI.org
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GACC is an
affiliate of the Human
Resource Management Institute |
