Achieving Accreditation Standards Conference
May 23-24, 2023The Achieving Accreditation Standards conference provides an overview of all eleven ABHE Institutional Accreditation Standards, along with the 149 Essential Elements that must be met to satisfy each standard. The presentation-discussion format provides the opportunity for participants to explore situations at their own institutions and seek advice from ABHE professional staff members on how to address those situations in the context of the standards. Time for self-assessment is included to develop a working agenda for addressing areas that need improvement before hosting an evaluation team.
The conference will be valuable to individuals who have significant responsibilities for preparing their institutions for an evaluation team visit, whether for reaffirmation, initial accreditation, or candidacy. Institutions are encouraged to bring their accreditation team/accreditation planning committee to make this a meaningful, hands-on preparation for hosting a comprehensive evaluation team visit. The conference also serves as the required new applicant orientation for institutions granted applicant status in June/November 2022 or February 2023.

Conference Faculty

LISA BEATTY
Executive Director
ABHE Commission on Accreditation

MICHAEL JACKSON
Associate Director
ABHE Commission on Accreditation

RONALD KROLL
Commission Staff Representative
ABHE Commission on Accreditation

SHANE WOOD
Senior Associate Director
ABHE Commission on Accreditation
Conference Pricing
Early Bird Deadline: April 14, 2022
Members (On-Site): $500 per person ($450 Early Bird)
Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $200
Non-Members (On-Site): $700 per person ($650 Early Bird)
Non-Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $300
Virtual Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Access to all conference resources
On-Site Pricing Includes:
Full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
Networking/Fellowship with attendees & presenters
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Three night’s lodging at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn
7 meals & refreshments
Access to all conference resources
Program Overview
Download Program Schedule
Session 1:
Presenter: Michael Jackson — Associate Director – ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- Standard 1: Mission, Goals, and Objectives
The institution has a written mission statement that is clear and appropriate to biblical higher education supported by clearly defined institutional goals and student learning objectives. - Standard 2: Assessment & Planning
The institution demonstrates that it is accomplishing and can continue to accomplish its mission, fulfill goals and objectives, and improve institutional effectiveness through an ongoing system of assessment and planning.
Session 2
Presenters: Ron Kroll — Commission Staff Representative — ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- Standard 3: Institutional Integrity
The institution demonstrates integrity in all of its practices and relationships with strict adherence to ethical standards and its own stated policies. - Standard 4: Authority and Governance
The institution is legally constituted as a nonprofit organization or is a nonprofit subsidiary of a parent organization, authorized by its state or province to operate as an educational institution and grant all degrees and /or offer credentials. The institution has its own governing board with legal and fiduciary responsibility to exercise appropriate oversight over institutional integrity , policies, resource development, and ongoing operations.
Session 3
Presenters: Shane Wood — Senior Associate Director & Lisa Beatty — Executive Director — ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- Standard 5: Administration – Shane Wood
The institution has a team of administrators that brings together its various resources and allocates them to accomplish institutional goals. - Standard 7: Enrollment Management – Lisa Beatty
The institution has developed and implemented an enrollment management plan that is consistent with its mission and addresses issues of recruitment, admissions, student financial services, and retention.
Session 4
Presenters: Shane Wood
-
Standard 6: Resources
The institution has the human, financial, physical, and technological resources needed to achieve its mission and has implemented policies and procedures to manage these resources effectively.
Session 5
Presenters: Lisa Beatty & Shane Wood
- Standard 8: Student Services – Lisa Beatty
The institution provides services that contribute to the holistic development and care of students and that are appropriate to the level of educational and delivery system. - Standard 9: Faculty – Shane Wood
The institution maintains a faculty committed to its mission and qualified academically and spiritually to facilitate student learning within their disciplines and to contribute to the development of a biblical worldview. The institution fosters an academic climate that stimulates the exchange of ideas, encourages professional development, promotes the well-being of faculty, and supports the faculty’s role in decision-making.
Session 6
Presenters: Shane Wood & Michael Jackson
- Standard 10: Library and Other Learning Resources – Shane Wood
The institution ensures the availability of and access to learning resources and services of appropriate form, range, depth, and currency to support the curricular offerings and meet student and faculty needs, regardless of location or instructional delivery system. - Standard 11: Academic Programs – Michael Jackson
The institution’s academic programs are appropriate to the achievement of its mission and to the level of educational programs offered, with all programs supporting development of a biblical worldview and some programs oriented specifically to full-time vocational ministry.
Session 7
Presenter: Michael Jackson
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Standard 11: Academic Programs (continued)
Session 8
Presenter: Lisa Beatty
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Orientation to ABHE Accreditation Processes & Wrap-Up
A walk through ABHE’s accreditation cycles from application to accredited status and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lodging included in the registration fee?
YES, for on-site attendees – 3 nights, including arrival the evening before the conference begins.
Can I request for additional hotel nights?
YES! The ABHE rate is $120/night. You can qualify for our group rate three days prior and three days post conference. You can request and pay for your additional hotel nights during the registration process. All reservations must be made and managed by the ABHE office as it is part of a group reservation. This includes changes to existing reservations. Email conferences@abhe.org with any questions or updates to existing reservations.
Is airport shuttle service available?
YES! Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Hilton Garden Inn. To request the complimentary shuttle:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-240-3725
- Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
- Go through the sliding doors
- Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Where is the hotel located in relation to the ABHE Conference Center?
The ABHE Weber Center is located in the Citadel I Building, less than a mile away from the Orlando International Airport and across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn.
Are meals included in the registration fee?
YES for on-site attendees, including 7 meals and all snacks/beverages.
Are scholarships available?
YES for on-site attendees – limited scholarships are available. Please email your request to conferences@abhe.org with an explanation of your financial need.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
In the event of either virtual or on-site registration cancellation, fees paid in advance are refundable – less a $50.00 service charge per person, provided written notice is received by ABHE no later than three weeks prior to the event. No refunds will be granted after that date. E-mail notification will suffice. Please e-mail conferences@abhe.org to request a refund. There are no refunds provided for no-shows.
How do I CANCEL a person on my registration?
You may log back into your registration form at any time with your confirmation number to make any cancellations, or contact conferences@abhe.org to have your registration cancelled.
Growing institutions are led by growing leaders. Consider engaging in the Executive Training Program specifically designed for academic leaders in ABHE. Delivered over two years including over 36 workshop presentations in seven areas of leadership competency and capacity. You can review the certification program details HERE. Enroll in the program today!
Questions regarding the certification program can be directed to David Medders, Executive Vice President.
For those attending the Achieving Accreditation Standards Conference On-Site:
Hilton Garden Inn – Orlando Airport
7300 Augusta National Drive
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 240-3725
The Hilton Garden Inn is located 1 mile from the Orlando International Airport. The ABHE staff will make your hotel reservations for you. Please indicate your room type/preference when you register for the conference.
Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Hilton Garden Inn. To request the complimentary shuttle service:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-240-3725
- Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
- Go through the sliding doors
- Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Conference Staff
David Medders
Executive Vice President
david.medders@abhe.org
Carol Dibble
Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
carol.dibble@abhe.org
Darby Blanchard
Digital & Administrative Services Coordinator
darby.blanchard@abhe.org