The WOEAC Accrediting Commission was established with a mission to promote the development and maintenance of high educational and ethical standards in education and training programs, delivered through distance learning. The development was made
possible by means of standard-setting, evaluation, and consultation
processes. The WOEAC
Accrediting Commission identifies and accredits distance education
and training institutions that have attained and maintained
the standards deemed necessary to operate at a basic level
of quality.
The Commission establishes educational, ethical
and business standards; it examines and evaluates distance
education institutions in terms of these standards; and accredits
those who qualify. Its accrediting program employs procedures
similar to those of other recognized educational accrediting
agencies. The Commission’s procedures and standards
have been continuously refined and improved over the last
two decades.
Distance study institutions located outside the
United States are eligible to apply for accreditation. The
opportunity to apply for accreditation is open to private
and public distance education institutions, both at the degree
and non-degree levels.
Today, more than 3 million Americans are enrolled
in WOEAC-accredited
institutions. It is estimated that since 1980, some 130 million
Americans have taken distance education courses.
For
more than two decades, IAAOU-accredited institutions have been
leaders in the field of distance education accreditation. There
are many benefits to being accredited. Accreditation:
provides a reliable indicator of institution quality for counselors,
employers, educators, governmental officials, and the public.
is an expression of confidence in the educational program,
the policies, and the procedures of the institution by its
peers—a lasting source of pride to the institution.
is an external source of stimulation to improve services,
programs, and staff through periodic self-studies and evaluations
by an outside agency.
is an assurance of high standards and educational quality
through the institution’s adherence to established criteria,
policies, and standards.
brings the institution recognition through the extension of
special status by several states under their legislation and
regulations, as well as recognition given by federal, state,
and local agencies in referring students to accredited schools.
allows an institution and its courses to be listed in the
IAAOU Directory of Accredited Institutions.
enables an institution to participate in the Career College
Voucher program through the Workforce Development/OCSEA for
the State of Ohio.
allows the promotional use of the IAAOU seal and reference
to accreditation by the IAAOU Accrediting Commission.
allows students to qualify for tuition reimbursement under
various tuition assistance plans requiring enrollment with
an accredited school.
enhances—but does not guarantee—the acceptance
of academic credits of graduates at other educational institutions.
expedites acceptance of advertising by newspapers, magazines,
radio and television stations, and other advertising mediums.
provides a unique professional development opportunity for
the institution’s staff members to serve on accrediting
examining committees visiting other institutions.
The
powers and responsibilities of the Commission are :
To establish and promulgate criteria the evaluation and accreditation
of distance education and independent learning organizations;
To establish its operating budget and provide for a schedule
of reasonable fees which will assure the financial stability
of the Commission;
To receive applications from institutions desiring accreditation;
To appoint qualified evaluators and provide a comprehensive
evaluation procedure;
To review the Chair’s reports and all other pertinent
material and accredit or withhold accreditation from applicant
institutions. The decisions of the Commission are not subject
to review or revision by the membership of the IAAOU or the
Council’s Board of Trustees;
To issue a directory of accredited organizations (IAAOU Directory
of Accredited Institutions) and a Web site listing in which
institutions will be identified in a manner which indicate
their course offerings;
To make available the current information covering the criteria
for accreditation and the operation of the Commission known
to the public.
To re-evaluate the accredited organizations’ programs,
organization, and courses of study at reasonable intervals
and;
To exercise powers that are necessary to carry out the function
of a reputable, nationally recognized accrediting association.
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