The Accreditation Process in the North Central Region from the Perspective of the Administrators of Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Rakisha A. Sloane, Olivet Nazarene University

Ed.D. dissertation completed in 2013 for Olivet Nazarene University.

Abstract

Research studies suggest that there are potential barriers that may hinder a successful accreditation process, especially for institutions offering distance education. This study addressed the perceptions of administrations in relation to the accreditation process with the North Central Association, Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC). The administrators were from four-year colleges and universities who have gone through the initial accreditation or reaccreditation process between the years 2000 to 2011. The institutions offered face-to-face programs as well as distance education programs. The administrators participated in an online survey consisting of 40 questions. There were a total of 445 surveys completed. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. ANOVA test were run to determine if differences existed in the administrators perceptions based on the institution type, newly accredited, traditional approved to offer distance learning, and traditional not approved to distance learning. The findings of the study showed the administrators agreed or strongly agreed with the majority of the survey statements. The findings also suggest there were no statistical differences based on perceptions of the overall accreditation process, communication with the accrediting agency, or facilitation of the self-study.