The Accreditation Journey
September 26-27, 2022The Accreditation Journey conference will be invaluable to individuals who have responsibility for accreditation initiatives and processes at their institutions. Institutions are encouraged to bring their accreditation teams to ensure broad understanding and shared commitment to the institutional responsibilities required for a successful accreditation journey.
Conference Sponsor
With Grateful Appreciation
Conference Pricing
Early Bird Deadline: August 1, 2022
Members (On-Site): $500 per person ($450 Early Bird)
Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $175
Non-Members (On-Site): $700 per person ($650 Early Bird)
Non-Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $325
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
SESSION 1: THE PURPOSE AND SPIRIT OF ACCREDITATION
Presenter: Lisa Beatty, Executive Director — ABHE Commission on Accreditation
Overview: Understanding the purpose and spirit of accreditation is essential for successful navigation of your institution’s accreditation journey with ABHE. What are some distinctives of ABHE’s accreditation process? Are your reasons for seeking accreditation aligned with the purpose and spirit of accreditation?
- Quality improvement vs. quality assurance
- Milestones on the accreditation journey
- Developing a healthy institutional perspective on accreditation
- ABHE accreditation resources
SESSION 2: LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF ACCREDITATION
Presenter: Michael Jackson, Associate Director — ABHE Commission on Accreditation
Overview: Accreditation processes involve shared definitions of important terms and processes. This session will equip you with the unique vocabulary of the accreditation journey.
- Names of accreditation documents
- Key terms in accreditation
- Words with technical meanings/accreditation jargon
SESSION 3: DOCUMENTING THE ABHE CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY — PART 1
Presenter: Leon Miles | Executive Vice President, Institute of Lutheran Theology (SD)
Overview: The accreditation journey begins by documenting institutional compliance with the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility (COEs). How should you approach documenting institutional compliance? What evidence should be provided for each COE?
- Overview of the requirements
- Suggestions on writing the narrative for each COE
- Suggestions for documenting each COE
SESSION 4: DOCUMENTING THE ABHE CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY — PART 2
Presenter: Leon Miles
Overview: The accreditation journey begins by documenting institutional compliance with the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility (COEs). How should you approach documenting institutional compliance? What evidence should be provided for each COE?
SESSION 5: GETTING STARTED WITH ASSESSMENT
Presenter: Aaron Profitt | Vice President for Academic Affairs, God’s Bible School and College (OH)
Overview: Assessment of student learning and institutional effectiveness plays an essential part in quality assurance and continuous improvement processes for accredited institutions. Where do you begin in developing effective assessment processes that support institutional flourishing?
- Defining mission, objectives, and measurable outcomes
- Gathering and analyzing assessment data
- Acting on assessment results
- Sharing institutional outcomes with the public
SESSION 6: ANNUAL REPORTING ACTIVITIES
Presenter: Lisa Beatty
Overview: The ABHE accreditation journey includes guideposts along the way. This session provides an overview of ABHE support for your accreditation process, so you stay on track for timely achievement of accredited status.
- Hosting annual staff visits
- The role of annual progress reports
- The value of the Annual Institutional Update
- Submitting required documents (financial audit including management letter, academic catalog, signed ABHE Tenets of Faith)
Session 7: WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Presenter: Michael Jackson
Overview: You are ready to get started! What are the next steps for beginning your ABHE accreditation journey?
- Hosting the preliminary staff visit
- Completing application requirements
- Planning and timelines for accreditation
- When am I ready for a team visit?
SESSION 8: PANEL DISCUSSION: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN GETTING STARTED
Presenter: Aaron Profitt
Overview: You are not alone on the ABHE accreditation journey! Commission staff and colleagues from other ABHE-accredited institutions are here to help. In this session, presenters will share lessons learned from their own accreditation journeys, and there will be ample time for you to get your accreditation questions answered.
- How do I get things moving?
- Who should serve on our accreditation team?
- Which ABHE Standards/essential elements are often challenging for applicant institutions?
- Which ABHE Standards/essential elements require the most time to achieve?
Conference Faculty
LISA BEATTY
Executive Director
ABHE Commission on Accreditation
MICHAEL JACKSON
Associate Director-Research
ABHE Commission on Accreditation
LEON MILES
Executive Vice President
Institute of Lutheran Theology
AARON PROFITT
Vice President
for Academic Affairs
God’s Bible School & College
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 $110/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 from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Hilton Garden Inn.
- 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