Comprehensive Review

Based on the Self-Study Report, the Evaluation Visit Report, and the Response to the Visit Report, the Commission adjudicates the extent to which an institution complies with the Standards for Accreditation.

Self-Study Report (SSR)

Self-Study is a voluntary process of self-evaluation in light of the Commission on Accreditation’s Institutional or Programmatic Standards for Accreditation. This self-evaluation results in a Self-Study Report that describes how the institution satisfies the Standards/Essential Elements and supports these assertions with documented evidence.

Evaluation Team Visit (ETV)

The Evaluation Team Visit is an audit of the institution’s self-evaluation, conducted through peer review and designed to verify the institution’s findings. The Evaluation Team’s responsibility is to review all evidence in the Self-Study Report and related exhibits, clearly document what the team observed during the visit, note areas of concern related to the institution’s satisfaction of the Standards/Essential Elements, and make recommendations to address areas of concern. These findings are documented in the Evaluation Visit Report.

Response to the Visit Report (RVR)

The Response to the Visit Report is the institution’s opportunity to respond to findings in the Evaluation Visit Report, document improvement plans in light of the recommendations of the team, and report on actions already taken.

Related Links

• Standards and Policies Manual
• Self-Study Guide
• Evaluation Team Handbook