What are the current policy and political issues related to accreditation?
Higher education accrediting agencies have come under increasing public criticism and pressure from federal and state legislators and agencies, higher education institutions and associations, various special interest groups, and consumers. While many colleges and universities assert that accreditors have become too intrusive and prescriptive in their processes, some policymakers are calling for accreditors and institutions to be “more accountable.” Concerns about steady, often double-digit price increases have led many to insist that accrediting agencies and institutions demonstrate their value to consumers. The upcoming reauthorization of the federal Higher Education Act in 2004-05 will bring even more public attention to the accreditation process. These pressures have led the NCA over the past several years to overhaul its governance and operational systems and adopt new statements of mission, vision, and priorities.
