The Accreditation Journey
September 28-29, 2020
Conference Program | Eastern Standard Time
Members & Affiliates (On-Site): $450 per person ($400 Early Bird)
Members & Affiliates (Virtual Via Zoom): $150
Non-Members (On-Site): $650 per person ($600 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:
- Location: ABHE Weber Center, Orlando, Florida
- full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
- access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
- three night’s lodging (single/double occupancy) at the nearby SpringHill Suites by Marriott
- 7 meals & refreshments
- access to all conference resources
Designed for institutions and individuals interested in accreditation or just starting through the process, this conference focuses on the key elements to a successful launch into the accreditation journey: what ABHE accreditation is, terminology unique to accreditation, satisfying the Conditions of Eligibility for applicant status, terminology unique to accreditation, tips for starting a program of assessment and planning, completing the application, reporting requirements for applicant and candidate institutions, and a discussion of the most common challenges in getting started. Institutions are encouraged to bring their accreditation team to ensure a broad understanding and shared commitment to what the institution will need to do over the next few years on the accreditation journey.
The Purpose & Spirit of Accreditation – Ronald Kroll, Director, ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- The role of accreditation: quality improvement vs. quality assurance
- Elements of the accreditation journey
- ABHE accreditation resources
- Developing a healthy spirit of accreditation
Parlez-Vous Accreditation? – Shane Wood, Associate Director, ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- Names of accreditation documents
- Key terms in accreditation
- Words with unusual or technical meanings (accreditation jargon)
Documenting the Conditions of Eligibility – Jena Dunn, Provost, Stark College & Seminary
- Overview of the requirements
- Suggestions on writing the narrative for each COE
- Suggestions for documenting each COE
Getting Started in Assessment – Aaron Profitt, VP for Academic Affairs, God’s Bible School & College
- Defining mission, objectives, measurable outcomes
- Gathering and analyzing data
- Acting on results
- Celebrating: Making outcome results public
Annual Reporting Activities – Ron Kroll, Director, ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- Staff visits
- Progress reports
- Online annual report (statistical report)
- Required documents (financial audit, catalog, signed Tenets of Faith)
What’s Next? – Shane Wood, Associate Director, ABHE Commission on Accreditation
- Preliminary staff visit
- Completing the application
- Planning and timelines
- When am I ready for a team visit?
Panel Discussion: Greatest Challenges in Getting Started – Aaron Profitt, VP for Academic Affairs, God’s Bible School & College
- How do I get things moving and build an accreditation team?
- Which standards/essential elements are hardest to meet?
- Which standards/essential elements take the longest time to meet?
These sessions are led by distinguished senior leaders who have counseled hundreds of institutions through accreditation, both initial and reaffirmation. Learn from their experience and expertise. Sharpen your competency and expand your capacity as you lead your institution forward in assessment, strategic planning, compliance documentation and goal achievement.
Jena Dunn
Dr. Jena Dunn has served in various roles at Stark College & Seminary in Corpus Christi, TX for ten years. She is currently the Provost and oversees faculty and curriculum at the college. She received her Master of Divinity from Logsdon Seminary in 2011, and her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Texas A & M University – Commerce in 2018. Throughout her career, Dr. Dunn has shown a dedication to student services, curriculum, faculty development, and creating the best possible student and faculty experience in Christian higher education.
Ron Kroll
Ron joined the ABHE team in January 2012 after serving as an administrator and professor at Columbia International University for 11 years. His background includes experience as a college faculty member and department chair, student services administrator, chief academic officer, distance education dean, doctoral program director, regional accreditation liaison, and accreditation board member and commissioner. He has three decades of experience in Christian ministry and higher education. Ron has a Bachelor of Music degree from William Tyndale College (formerly Detroit Bible College), a Master of Arts degree in music theory-literature from Eastern Michigan University, and a Doctor of Education degree in higher education from Nova Southeastern University. Ron and his wife Kathy have two adult children and four grandchildren.
Aaron Profitt
Aaron Profitt is a college teacher and administrator with teaching experience in both public and private sectors. He is interested in issues in Biblical higher education, higher-education accountability/assessment, faculty development and higher-education accreditation. Aaron serves as an evaluator for the Association for Biblical Higher Education’s Commission on Accreditation.
Shane Wood
Shane has served at three ABHE institutions over the past 15 years. Dr. Wood has earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership (Regent University), M.Div. in New Testament (Lincoln Christian University), and a B.Th. in New Testament (Ozark Christian College). His service at ABHE member institutions includes Program Director for the M.A. in Organizational Leadership and Dean of the Hargrove School of Adult and Graduate Studies at Lincoln Christian University; Chair of the Christian Ministries Division at Florida Christian College; and Chief Academic Officer at Nebraska Christian College. His teaching experience includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral courses in organizational leadership and Christian ministry, and dissertation committee chair for the Ph.D. program in Organizational Leadership at Johnson University. Dr. Wood has a background in pastoral ministry, and has also served in an interim capacity as a college chief financial officer. Shane and his wife, Gayla, have three children.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Orlando Airport5828 Hazeltine National Dr,
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 816-5533
SpringHill Suites Orlando Airport is an all-suite hotel offering you first class service, located minutes away from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), and features amenities, including free Internet access and on-site dining. 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 SpringHill Suites. To request the complimentary shuttle from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the SpringHill Suites:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-816-5533
- 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
Director of Communications & Events
carol.dibble@abhe.org
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 group rate is $115/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.
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.
Is airport shuttle service available?
YES! Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the SpringHill Suites. To request the complimentary shuttle from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the SpringHill Suites:
- Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-816-5533
- 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?
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?