The Accreditation Simplified Framework™ is a clear, actionable 6-step path designed to transform the accreditation process from a burdensome “box-checking” exercise into a powerful catalyst for positive change and submission readiness. Here is an overview of the 6 Steps to Successful Accreditation:
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Action:
Thoroughly review and interpret the standards and detailed criteria. Establish a planned structure for responding based on the standards and the accreditor’s provided guidance.
Focus/Benefit:
Know precisely what is required and align your efforts with the intent of the standard. This prevents wandering into unnecessary tangents along the way.
Step 2: Assemble your Team
Action:
Organize your team members based on expertise and assign them to specific standards or sub-criteria. Set norms for how the team will collaborate.
Focus/Benefit:
Ensure all relevant stakeholders (faculty, deans, IR staff) are contributing effectively. This reduces stress for everyone while increasing the odds of success.
Step 3: Curate the Best Evidence
Action:
Organize potential documentation, then narrow it down to the most compelling artifacts.
Focus/Benefit:
Know precisely what is required and align your efforts with the intent of the standard. This prevents wandering into unnecessary tangents along the way.
Step 4: Write Evidence-Based Response
Action:
Collaborate with your team to draft, provide feedback, and use comment protocols for final coherent responses.
Focus/Benefit:
Tell your story clearly and directly, supported by highly convincing evidence contextualized for external peer reviewers.
Step 5: Approve for Submission
Action:
Workflow each standard through a review process by status to monitor progress and identify any areas at risk.
Focus/Benefit:
Wider human judgment and participation determines readiness, minimizing the risk of introducing confusion or unidentified bias in the core team.
Step 6: Submit to your Accreditor
Action:
Execute the final submission via direct link, portal upload, or email.
Focus/Benefit:
Submit with the confidence of knowing you have focused on quality and impact, not just compliance.
