QM & Accreditation

While QM is not the complete answer to all of your accreditation and reporting needs, it can be supportive in a variety of areas if you understand how QM activities align with accreditation and reporting requirements.  With regards to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) Accreditation Process QM benefits UNA in the following ways:

Within the document, Section 7 refers to Institutional Planning and Effectiveness                                               

7.1  Institutional Planning and Effectiveness

The institution engages in ongoing, comprehensive, and integrated research-based planning and evaluation processes that (a) focus on institutional quality and effectiveness and (b) incorporate a systematic review of institutional goals and outcomes consistent with its mission. (Institutional Planning) [CR]

 8.2  Student Achievement 
The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of seeking improvement based on analysis of the results in the areas below: a. Student learning outcomes for each of its educational programs. (Student outcomes: educational programs) b. Student learning outcomes for collegiate-level general education competencies of its undergraduate degree programs. (Student outcomes: general education) c. Academic and student services that support student success. (Student outcomes: academic and student services)

 

QM can also assist your accreditation process with the following:

  1. Accountability for the delivery and quality of online courses.  QM provides a framework to ensure consistent quality of online and blended courses.
  2. Institutional effectiveness. QM ensures the preeminence of student learning outcomes, assessment, and measurement as the foundation of curriculum content integrity.
  3. Curriculum and instruction. QM ensures the appropriateness of the curriculum design for online and blended teaching and learning.
  4. Faculty involvement in curricula development. QM is an instrument that facilitates faculty involvement and understanding of online content and syllabus development.
  5. Technological delivery modes. QM ensures the appropriateness of the technology used for content delivery in supporting usability and attainment of learning outcomes and competencies.
  6. Training. QM provides a variety of opportunities for professional development.
  7. Interaction. QM establishes and adds to the delivery of online courses through a clear understanding and standards for ensuring adequate, quality interaction occurs in the virtual learning environment.
  8. Academic resources. QM ensures that course development includes information and links to resources that support online learners.
  9. Accessibility.  QM ensures that course development is inclusive of all learners, regardless of any accessibility issues.
  10. Course evaluation. QM can be provided to accrediting committees as an example of evaluating the quality of online courses.