APUS Regional Accreditation Update #1

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Charles, May 10, 2003.

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  1. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Here's an email I've been looking forward to:

    "As was noted in the recent student newsletter, APUS has achieved a significant milestone in its quest for regional accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) has accepted the APUS Preliminary Information Form that documents compliance with 24 General Institutional Requirements. NCA has authorized the University
    System to move forward with a Self-Study. Once the Self -Study is
    completed, a "Self-Study Report" is submitted to NCA. The final step is a site visit by NCA Consultant-Evaluators. When NCA assigns our visit dates, we will provide an update with timeline for the process leading up to the site visit."

    The self-study is a process by which the institution conducts a thorough internal examination of all its policies, procedures, practices, curriculum, and resources. The institution is asked to provide evidence that it meets five broad criteria and it has realistic plans for future improvement. The Criteria for Accreditation are:

    1) The institution has clear and publicly stated purposes consistent with its mission and appropriate to an institution of higher education.
    2) The institution has effectively organized the human, financial, and physical resources necessary to accomplish its purposes.
    3) The institution is accomplishing its educational and other purposes.
    4) The institution can continue to accomplish its purposes and strengthen
    its educational effectiveness.
    5) The institution demonstrates integrity in its practices and
    relationships.

    Source: Handbook of Accreditation, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, Chicago, 1997

    The Self Study is an all-encompassing process that seeks input from all constituencies within APUS: students, faculty, staff and alumni. APUS will be seeking student opinion on a variety of issues through a number of surveys, which we expect to post in the electronic classrooms. We may also seek volunteers to participate in student focus groups. Some students may
    even be called upon to speak directly with the evaluation team either prior to or during the site visit.

    Lastly, I cannot emphasize how vital student input is vital to the
    Self-Study process. Knowing that many of you will have insights to offer beyond those questions specifically asked in the surveys, we have set up an email box solely for input to the Self- Study committee."

    Another step on the road toward regional accreditation.

    :D :D :D
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 10, 2003
  2. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    could be wrong

    I could be wrong, but isn't this the APUS that is affiliated with American Military University? If so, would AMU also receive RA?

    Chris
     
  3. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Chris,

    You are correct.

    "History of the American Public University System

    The concept for the American Public University System was developed in the late 1980’s by its founder, James Etter, while he served as a military instructor in Quantico, Virginia. Mr. Etter recognized the need and desire among working professionals to study at undergraduate and graduate levels beyond the standard training opportunities that business, government, or non-profit organizations provided. He further appreciated the inherent academic value of distance education programs and believed that working professionals should be able to transfer their knowledge towards an academic degree. Mr. Etter continued to develop the distance education concept upon his retirement while also pursuing his master’s degree in history from George Mason University. After refining the programs, developing a strategic plan, and securing necessary financing, he launched the University System’s precursor institution in January 1993. In 2002, after ten years of development and successful service to thousands of students and graduates, the American Public University System and its three member institutions – American Public University, American Military University, and American Community College – was officially launched in its present form. Throughout its lengthy development, the American Public University System has evolved as one of the world's leading private institutions of distance education."

    http://www.apus.edu/APUS/General_Information/history.asp

    I graduated with a BA from AMU last year. AMU began its undergraduate programs in 1998. I am fairly certain that I am among the first to earn an undergraduate degree from AMU. The development of the American Public University System name is discussed here:

    http://www.degreeinfo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4642&highlight=american+military+university

    APUS' move to West Virginia, which enabled it to work toward NCA accreditation, is discussed here:

    http://www.degreeinfo.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5416&highlight=american+military+university

    I have always maintained that achieving regional accreditation should be the number one goal of AMU/APUS. No doubt there is still much to be accomplished, but I'm thrilled to see my school make progress toward this goal.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 10, 2003
  4. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    Now wouldn't be a bad time to get in on thier masters programs that don't require the GRE or the GMAT to enter. They also seem to accept a GENEROUS amount of transfer credit at AMU if you have stuff in the field of interest.

    MA in History looks good to me.

    Chris
     
  5. tcnixon

    tcnixon Active Member

    I'm glad to see them heading in that direction. I think it will give much more utility in using their degrees for their graduates.

    Now, I've said this before, but it bears repeating. The name still comes across as misleading (at best -- and I do mean, at best). If I didn't know the history, I would think that they were a degree mill. Besides being misleading, it's just a plain, lousy name. Generic, in the extreme.

    And the sad part is that, as liberal as I am, I like the AMU part of their program. It seems to be quite good.

    Now, would I recommend that anyone on the planet get a degree from something called the American Public University System? It's certainly a matter of personal preference, but I would not. I can only imagine the jokes about it in a company's HR office.



    Tom Nixon
     
  6. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Student newsletter article:

    APUS Regional Accreditation Update

    As you know, the American Public University System is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Over the years as AMU grew and eventually transitioned to the University System as it exists today, we have looked toward seeking additional accreditation with one of the regional accrediting bodies. We are pleased to be able to provide an update regarding that initiative.

    APUS has achieved a significant milestone in gaining regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The American Public University System was recently notified by the Commission that its Eligibility Process Panel has authorized a site visit for APUS based on their favorable review of the University System's Preliminary Information Form (PIF). APUS submitted an extensive PIF packet in August 2002 to document the University System's compliance with each of the 24 General Institutional Requirements (GIRs) that comprise the threshold eligibility standards for affiliation with the Commission. The PIF is the initial component in a comprehensive screening and evaluation process that prospective members undergo in pursuing accreditation by the Commission.

    The next step in this process is for the University System to complete a system-wide self-study that will document our compliance with the five broad criteria for membership. The self-study will culminate in a report to the Commission that will serve, along with the site visit by an evaluation team, as the basis for the Commission's determination on whether or not to grant candidacy or membership status to the University System. In completing the self-study, which began in April 2002, the Self-Study Steering Committee will be engaging students in the process by soliciting their input on ways to improve the University System's programs and services. This will be achieved through a system of surveys, critiques, and independent communications to the Committee leadership. Students will soon be receiving additional information regarding the self-study process and how their input will be used to strengthen the University System. Your participation and assistance with this key initiative is essential and greatly appreciated."
     
  7. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Site visit in October or November 2003

    This information from a 5 June email:

    "UPDATE: Regional Accreditation Progress Report

    The American Public University System (APUS) is pursuing regional
    accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA).

    In March 2003, the University System submitted its Preliminary Information Form (PIF) to document its affiliation eligibility and compliance with the Commission's General Institutional Requirements. The Commission accepted the PIF and authorized a site visit in October or November 2003 by an evaluation team.

    The University System's next step in the process is completing an in-depth internal investigation and evaluation, called a Self-Study. Since April 2002, APUS has been undergoing a comprehensive Self-Study that is expected to culminate in August 2003 with a report being sent to the Commission in advance of the site visit. The Self-Study Report constitutes the University System's formal application for affiliation. It also documents
    compliance with the Higher Learning Commission's five affiliation criteria and provides the basis for an Evaluation Team site visit.

    The Evaluation Team of 4-5 peer evaluators from the region's institutions will review the Self-Study Report, conduct a site visit, and recommend one of the following outcomes to the Commission: grant affiliation, award candidacy status, or deny the application.

    The University System is currently nationally accredited through the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). APUS will continue to provide updates and information the pursuit of regional accreditation with the North Central Association HLC."
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 7, 2003
  8. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    Graduate Credit Examinations

    Good Morning, In reading the information I thought the graduate credit option for officers was great. It is definitely worth a look if you fit the specifications. Hille
     
  9. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Site visit scheduled for October 19-22

    "Update on Regional Accreditation

    Good news! The site visit has been scheduled for October 19-22. During this visit the evaluators will seek to confirm the information presented in our self-study report. It will culminate in an exit interview during which they will report on their impressions. Final determination will be made at the Spring 2004 board meeting after the evaluation team submits their findings.

    Most of the data collection and inquiry phase is complete and the staff and administration are working hard to create a solid self -study report."


    August 2003 American Public University System Newsletter
     
  10. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I've always been a big fan of the American Military University, and I'm willing to bet that they receive RA right on schedule.
     
  11. oxpecker

    oxpecker New Member

  12. uncle janko

    uncle janko member

    Yup, guys, the ol' nomenclature kook agrees: AMU sounds good, APUS sounds dumber than dumb.

    Even American Military University for Strategic Education would sound better (AMUSE).

    The worst part of this naming fiasco is that AMU is really interesting and imaginative, and there's nothing done by the other "parts" of the "System" which would suffer by being labeled with the AMU name. I think grandiosity got the better of common sense on this one.
     
  13. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Site visit completed

    "The NCA Higher Learning Commission’s Evaluation Team conducted its site visit October 27-29 at our offices in Charles Town and Manassas. During the visit, the team met with staff, faculty, and students to validate the University System’s Self-Study Report and measure APUS’s compliance with the Commission’s requirements and criteria for membership. The site visit was a most positive and valuable experience and the APUS family and the team commended the senior staff and Board members on our preparation and performance.

    The team is now compiling its report to the Commission and we expect to receive a letter from the Trustees in March 2004 at which time we can make a public announcement of the outcome."

    http://www.apus.edu/APUS/navigation/visitor_center/accreditation/regional.asp?tid=35
     
  14. PaulC

    PaulC Member

    Anyone know if a degree from AMU now would read American Public University System on the diploma?

    This is one of those names that you just can't stop shaking your head over and mumbling, "what were they thinking". As bad as Argosy was, this trumps that in my book. Surely this is not what is written on the diploma......surely.
     
  15. Dennis Ruhl

    Dennis Ruhl member

    I would love to have a degree that said American Military University.

    I would totally avoid one that said American Public University.

    With the first, people would assume it must have 150 year history- reeks of competence.

    With the second - sounds like a winner in the name the degree mill contest.
     
  16. Charles

    Charles New Member

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