Programmatic Administrative

PROGRAMMATIC ADMINISTRATIVE

VISITATION REPORT

ABHES ID CODE:
NAME OF INSTITUTION:
ADDRESS:
CITY: / STATE: / ZIP:
ACCREDITATION TYPE: PROGRAMMATIC
VISIT TYPE: INITIAL RENEWAL
VISIT DATE:

PROGRAMS REVIEWED:

Program Name / Inside Clock Hours / Recognized Outside Clock Hours / Total Clock
Hours / Length in Weeks (D, E, W include all applicable) / Academic Credit Hours
Quarter
Semester / Method of Delivery / Credential
Awarded
TEAM LEADER:
PROGRAM SPECIALIST(S):
STAFF MEMBER:

ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION:

The institution is in compliance with all eligibility and classification requirements in accordance with Chapter II, Section A and Section B of the Accreditation Manual.

PROGRAM DATA:

Program
Name / Enroll # on day of visit / Number of Graduates for the Reporting Period / Date of Last Graduating Class / Retention
Rate / Placement
Rate / Credential Participation Rate / Credential
Pass
Rate

Dates of reporting period reviewed: to

CHAPTER V

EVALUATIONS STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

V.A.5. A program has an active advisory board of in-field specialists, current in the applicable specialty, representing its communities of interest, to assist administration and faculty in fulfilling stated educational objectives.

At a minimum the institution has an advisory board comprised of at least three community representatives, not employed by the institution, for each discipline or group of related programs (e.g., medical assisting and medical administrative assisting). These individuals collectively provide a reasonable sampling of the community and are knowledgeable about the current state of the field. Programs offering complete or partial content by distance education have a minimum of one non-school employee representative specializing in this method of delivery.

The board convenes a minimum of once per 12-month period and addresses a broad range of topics that may include the program’s mission and objectives, curriculum, outcomes, program strength and weaknesses in preparing graduates, current and projected community needs for graduates in the field, annual evaluation of program effectiveness, and student, graduate, clinical externship, and employer feedback.

Prepared minutes of meetings are maintained, distributed and used to improve curricula. Meeting minutes include member participation, topics discussed, summary of significant outcomes and activities, areas of unfinished business with projection for completion, and a list of recommendations made by the advisory board, and the program’s or institution’s response to these recommendations.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
Was the advisory board comprised of at least three community representatives, not employed by the institution, for each discipline or group of related programs and include at least one distance education specialist, if applicable?
If no, identify the deficiencies.
When did the advisory board last meet?
Were the meeting minutes detailed to include, member participation, topics discussed, summary of significant outcomes and activities, areas of unfinished business with projection for completion, and a list of recommendations made by the advisory board, and the program’s or institution’s response to those recommendations.
If not, identify deficiencies.

V.D.1. An institution adheres to its admission policies and enrolls only students who can reasonably be expected to benefit from the instruction.

An admissions process exists to screen and evaluate each applicant's credentials before an applicant is notified of acceptance or rejection. A personal interview may be arranged at the discretion of the institution.

Admission requirements clearly state the basis for admission, including testing, advanced standing, experiential learning requirements, and transfer of credit. Remedial courses and refresher courses are not considered for credit. When accepting students, reasonable assurances are made that applicant qualifications and background are compatible with institutional and curricular objectives to ensure the likelihood of student success.

Applicants are beyond the age of compulsory institution attendance in the state in which the institution is located and can be reasonably expected to benefit from the training offered by the institution. Institutions that accept non-high school graduates (ability-to-benefit students) into their programs must meet the additional requirements of Appendix A, Enrollment of Ability-to-Benefit (“ATB”) Students, with the exception of any program that is 300 clock hours or less.

The evidence of high school graduation or its equivalent is supplied to an institution within 30 days after the student's first class or lesson begins, and as permissible may be a signed attestation of graduation. The information relative to ATB student admission is submitted prior to enrollment.

Important Note: Students who do not have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent or have not completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under State law will no longer be eligible for Title IV federal student assistance if enrolled in a program of study on or after July 1, 2012. Students will qualify for Title IV under one of the ability-to-benefit alternatives if the student was enrolled in an eligible program prior to July 1, 2012.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
NOTE: For institutions that accept non-high school graduates (ability-to-benefit students) into their programs must meet the additional requirements of Appendix A, Enrollment of Ability-to-Benefit (“ATB”) students of this report, with the exception of any program that is 300 clock hours or less.
Method of Assessment:

V.H.1. A program accurately presents its accreditation status to the public.

If a program releases incorrect information regarding its accreditation status, the contents of a site visit report, or accreditation actions with respect to the program, it must expeditiously make a public disclosure of correction through the same means of advertising. No reference to ABHES accreditation can be made in reference to any program prior to final action by ABHES granting inclusion of a program within an institution’s current grant of accreditation or the granting of programmatic accreditation. Institutions or programs in the initial application stage, either for accreditation or a substantive change (see III.B. of the Accreditation Manual) may not make any reference to ABHES accreditation.

The program clearly communicates its accreditation status to its prospective and enrolled students in the following situations: (i) the program does not currently hold programmatic accreditation that might have implications for the graduates to become employed in the profession, or (ii) the program is subject to an adverse action that might result in the loss of accreditation.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
Method of Assessment:

V.H.2. All representations regarding the program are accurate, complete, and not misleading.

All statements made by personnel are based on accurate, verified facts and are provided in a manner and in a context to assure that a reasonable recipient is not mislead. Any information with regard to salary, employment opportunities and employment information to students, prospective students and the public is accurate and realistic.

Prior to admission, students are clearly advised of any credentialing or licensing requirements available or necessary for employment in the field.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
Method of Assessment:

While each program must represent each element required below, the plan may be a comprehensive one which collectively represents all programs within the institution or may be individual plans for each distinct program.

V.I.1.A program has an established documented plan for assessing its effectivenessas defined by specific outcomes.

The Program Effectiveness Plan includes clearly stated:

1. student population

A description of the characteristics of the student population is included in the Plan.

1. program objectives

Programs objectives are consistent with the field of study and the credential offered and include as an objective the comprehensive preparation of program graduates for work in the career field.

1. program retention rate

At a minimum, an institution maintains the names of all enrollees by program, start date, and graduation date. The method of calculation, using the reporting period July 1 through June 30, is as follows:

(EE + G) / (BE + NS + RE) = R%

EE= Ending Enrollment (as of June 30)

G=Graduates

BE=Beginning Enrollment (as of July 1)

NS=New Starts

RE=Re-Entries (number of students that re-enter into school who dropped from a

previous annual report time period)

R% = Retention Percentage

1. job placement rate in the field

An institution has a system in place to assist with the successful initial employment of its graduates. The institution must verify the employment no earlier than 15 days after employment. At a minimum, an institution maintains the names of graduates, place of employment, job title, employer telephone numbers, employment date and verification dates. For any graduates identified as self-employed, an institution maintains evidence of employment. Documentation in the form of employer or graduate verification forms or other evidence of employment is retained.

The method of calculation, using the reporting period July 1 through June 30, is as follows:

(F + R)/(G-U)=P%

F = Graduates placed in their field of training

R* = Graduates placed in a related field of training

G = Total graduates

U** = Graduates unavailable for placement

P% = Placement percentage

*Related field refers to a position wherein the graduate’s job functions are related to the skills and knowledge acquired through successful completion of the training program.

**Unavailable is defined only as documented: health-related issues, military obligations, incarceration, continuing education status, or death.

Important Note: graduates pending required credentialing/licensure in a regulated professionrequired to work in the field and, thus, not employed or not working in a related field as defined above, should be reported through back-up information required in the Annual Report. This fact will then be taken into consideration if the program placement rate falls below expectations and an Action Plan is required by ABHES.

1. credentialing examination participation rate

If a license or credential is required (i) for employment within the geographic area served by the institution (e.g., state or other governmental agencies), or (ii) by the programmatic accrediting body, then the participation of program graduates in credentialing or licensure examinations is monitored and evaluated.

The method of calculation, using ABHES’ reporting period July 1 through June 30th, is as follows:

Examination participation rate = G / T

T =Total graduates eligible to sit for examination

G =Total graduates taking examination

1. credentialing examination pass rate

If an institution or program is required to monitor participation rates in paragraph (e) above, then it must review graduate success on credentialing and/or licensing examinations. This review includes curricular areas in need of improvement. A program maintains documentation of such review and any pertinent curricular changes made as a result.

The method of calculation, using ABHES’ reporting period July 1 through June 30th, is as follows:

F / G = L%

F =Graduates passing examination (any attempt)

G =Total graduates taking examination

L% =Percentage of students passing examination

At a minimum, the names of all graduates by program, actual graduation date, and the credentialing or licensure exam for which they are required to sit for employment are maintained.

1. curriculum assessment

Program effectiveness includes an assessment of the quality of the curriculum.

Curriculum assessment uses a combination of tools which might include examinations, advisory board input, competency and skill outcomes, faculty review of resource materials, and graduate and employer surveys.

Results of the assessment are not required to be reported to ABHES, but are considered in annual curriculum revision by such parties as the program supervisor, faculty, and the advisory board. Changes adopted are included in the program.

1. surveys of students (classroom and clinical experience), clinical extern affiliate, graduate and employer satisfaction with the program surveys

A program must survey each of the constituents identified above. The purpose of the surveys is to collect data regarding student, clinical extern affiliate, graduate and employer perceptions of a program’s strengths and weaknesses.

At a minimum, an annual review of results of the surveys is conducted, and results are shared with administration, faculty and advisory boards. Decisions and action plans are based upon review of the surveys, and any changes made are documented (e.g., meeting minutes, memoranda).

The institution establishes: (1) a goal for the percent of surveys returned and (2) benchmarks for the level of satisfaction desired. Accordingly, a program must document that at a minimum the survey data included in its effectiveness assessment include the following:

i.Survey Participation:

Survey Participation rate

SP / NS = TP

SP = Survey Participation (those who actually filled out the survey)

NS = Number Surveyed (total number of surveys sent out)

TP = Total Participation by program, by group; meaning the number of students/clinical extern affiliates/graduates/employers by program who were sent and completed the survey during the ABHES reporting period (July 1-June 30).

ii.Satisfaction Benchmarks

Student:

Student evaluations are used as a composite of student views relating to course importance and satisfaction and overall class attitudes about the classroom and clinical environment.

Clinical extern affiliate:

Externship site evaluations include a critique of students’ knowledge and skills upon completion of their in-school training and reflect how well the students are trained to perform their required tasks. They include an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses, and proposed changes, in the instructional activities for currently enrolled students. The sites also evaluate the responsiveness and support provided by the designated school representative, who visited the site and remained in contact with the site throughout the duration of the students’ externship.

Graduate:

A program has a systematic plan for regularly surveying graduates, which determines if: (i) graduates have been informed of applicable credentialing requirements (ii) the classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences prepared students for employment (iii) and (iii) graduates are satisfied with their educational training. At a minimum, an annual review of the results is conducted and shared with administration, faculty and advisory boards. Decisions and action plans are based upon the review of the surveys, and any changes made are documented (e.g., meeting minutes, memoranda).

Employer:

A program has a systematic plan for regularly surveying employers, which determines if: (i),information on whether the skill level of the employee is adequate , and (ii) if the employer would hire another graduate from the program.,. At a minimum, an annual review of the results is conducted and shared with administration, faculty and advisory boards. Decisions and action plans are based upon the review of the surveys and any changes made are documented (e.g., meeting minutes, memoranda).

1. faculty professional growth and in-service activities.

A program maintains data that evidences faculty participation in professional growth activities and in-service sessions that promote continuous evaluations of the programs of study, instructional procedures and training.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
a. student population:
Method of Assessment:
b. program objective:
Method of Assessment:
c. program retention rate:
Method of Assessment:
d. job placement rate in the field:
Method of Assessment:
e: credentialing examination participation rate:
Method of Assessment:
f: credentialing examination pass rate:
Method of Assessment:
g: curriculum assessment
Method of Assessment:
h. surveys of student (classroom and clinical experiences), clinical extern affiliate, graduate and employer satisfaction with the program surveys:
Method of Assessment:
i. faculty professional growth and in-service activities:
Method of Assessment:

V.I.2. A program has a process for assessing effectiveness annually.

The Program Effectiveness Plan specifies a process and a timetable for the annual assessment of program effectiveness in achieving the outcomes it has identified with its objectives and criteria. The plan must:

i.Document historical outcomes and show evidence of how these historical data are used to identify expected outcomes and to achieve expected goals (e.g. evaluations, advisory boards, credentialing).

ii.Identify and describe types of data that are used for assessment, how data were collected, rationale for use of each type of data, timetable for data collection, and parties responsible for data collection.

iii.Review initial baseline rates and measurements of results after planned activities have occurred.

iv.Provide a summary and analysis of data collected and state how continuous improvement is made to enhance expected outcomes.

v.Identify how data were used to improve the educational process.

vi.Adjust goals as a result of the evaluation of a PEP, based on an assessment of community and employer demand for graduates, which justifies the continued need for a program.

vii.Identify the activities that will be undertaken to meet the goals set for the next year.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
Method of Assessment:

V.I.3A program demonstrates that students complete their program and that graduates are successful on credentialing exams required for employment, and are successfully employed in the field, or related field, for which they were trained.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
Method of Assessment:

V.J.1.A program maintains academic transcripts indefinitely, and other academic records that comply with Appendix E, Section A, (Record Maintenance).

Documentation to support compliance with recordkeeping maintenance is easily accessible and readily available.

Compliance Rating: Exceeds Standard Meets Standard Violates Standard N/A
Method of Assessment:

CHAPTER VI

DEGREE PROGRAM STANDARDS

SECTION A – Occupational and Applied Science Degrees

This Section Not Applicable

VI.A.4.a.A program meets the required minimum level of credit hours (or its recognized equivalent) in total content and hours of occupational and general education courses.

Associate of Occupational Science requires:

a.60 semester hours, 90 quarter hours, or its recognized clock hour equivalent in total content (normally two academic years);

b.45 semester hours, 67.5 quarter hours, or its recognized clock hour equivalent in the occupational area for which the degree is awarded; and

c.9 semester hours, 13.5 quarter hours, or its recognized clock hour equivalent in general education or applied general education courses.

Associate of Applied Science requires:

a.60 semester hours, 90 quarter hours, or its recognized clock hour equivalent in total content (normally two academic years);