Accreditation

Accreditation for Kinesiology Programs 2012

The Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators Accreditation Council

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• General Education Outcomes and Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards
• Accreditation Procedure and Structure
• Responsibilities of Accreditation Council
• Accreditation Process

NOTE: A template for Kinesiology Accreditation can be found in the Resources section.IntroductionThe CCUPEKA Accreditation Council is the accrediting agency for university Kinesiology programs in Canada. To be accredited, a unit must satisfy the minimal standards set forth in the accreditation document. Accreditation is open only to the Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA) member institutions.The main purpose of accreditation is to evaluate whether reviewed programs meet the minimum standards of education and training for graduates. However, by applying minimum standard criteria, we will not interfere with innovation and diversity of individual programs. While the achievement of minimum standards will guarantee the basic quality of programs, it may also serve as an incentive for further improvement and creative growth. The Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards (MDAS) offer a framework for the development and organization of disciplinary knowledge and practical skills for graduates; these standards form a basis for the academic unit’s curriculum design and should be reflected in the unit’s mission statementThe CCUPEKA Accreditation System serves the following functions:

• Identifies General Education Outcomes necessary for the study of Kinesiology.
• Sets Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards for Kinesiology programs and ensures that programs meet the standards and expectations of the national and international disciplinary, professional, and educational communities.
• Encourages increased credibility and acceptance of Kinesiology programs.
• Provides a basis for self-evaluation and comparison with programs of a similar nature.
• May serve as a rationale for requests for more resources in the changing disciplinary and professional environment.
• Positively affects the maintenance of specialized, permanent faculty positions.
• Helps students identify appropriate university programs in Canada.
• Facilitates the transferability of courses.
• Facilitates student transfer between programs.
• Enhances recognition of qualifications for professional certification of license in Kinesiology.

Kinesiology is the study of human movement and factors which effect and affect such movement. It encompasses the study of human movement along a continuum,  which ranges  from  cell structure and function to the place of human movement in the social context.Because of the great variety of applications and specialties found in the study of human movement, it has been difficult in the past to identify what a kinesiologist should know and do.Based on the Canadian Council for the Description of Occupations, the role of the Kinesiology graduate is to evaluate physical activity-related matters and recommend solution in health, exercise, sport, industry, business, education, rehabilitation and social settings.General Education Outcomes and Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation StandardsThis Accreditation document identifies the General Education Outcomes (GEO) for kinesiologists. These Outcomes lead to the Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards (MDAS) for undergraduate programs in Kinesiology.The General Educational Outcomes are a set of competencies and exposures necessary for practice of Kinesiology and the continuation of disciplinary or applied studies. The Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards represent a basis for the development of knowledge in the disciplinary areas of Kinesiology and create a positive educational environment for the application of this knowledge. These standards also provide institutions and students with flexibility to function in different settings and to ensure that graduates have the necessary background to perform effectively in their chosen area. MDAS attempt to ensure that the Kinesiology program is delivered by a Kinesiology/Physical Education academic unit, which has sufficient faculty resources to offer a coherent curriculum, with both breadth and depth of human movement study.GEO 1: The Disciplinary and Applied Preparation in KinesiologyA graduate has the appropriate Kinesiology base to function effectively in the disciplinary and chosen areas of Kinesiology STANDARD 1: Program StructureProgram accreditation requirements:

• Structure

Four year degree program with minimum 40 courses.  In Quebec, 3 year degree program with CEGEP and min of 30 courses.

• Breadth of Curricular Offerings:

Fifty percent of the total number of courses for the degree must be offered by the Kinesiology/Physical Education academic unit. (15 out of 30, or 20 out of 40 courses).University programs which require more than forty courses for the degree must offer a minimum of twenty courses by the Kinesiology/Physical Education academic unit.

• Depth of Curricular Offerings:

A minimum of fifty percent of the remaining elective courses offered by the Kinesiology/Physical Education unit should be at an advanced level. “Advanced level” is defined by the program’s mission.(Note: 8 disciplinary core course, 2 inquiry core courses, 10 elective courses)

• Faculty Complement: Seventy-five percent of the twenty Kinesiology courses must be taught by full-time Kinesiology/Physical Education faculty/staff.

GEO 2: Knowledge of Disciplinary ContentA graduate understands and analyzes movement using principles of the Natural Sciences, the Social Sciences, and Humanities.STANDARD 2: Minimum Core Curriculum – Disciplinary ContentRequired courses: human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning / motor control, psychology of physical activity and two courses in social science and/or humanities area. (total of 8 courses)GEO 3: Knowledge of Scientific InquiryA graduate uses generally accepted tools of scientific inquiry for the critical evaluation of information.STANDARD 3: Minimum Core Curriculum – Knowledge Acquisition and AnalysisRequired courses: two courses: 1) research methods, and 2) statisticsComments: Information may be incorporated into a number of different courses but the content must equal the equivalent of 2 courses.GEO 4: Application of Disciplinary KnowledgeA graduate applies theoretical knowledge using educationally appropriate equipment and technology in a variety of settings.STANDARD 4: Research and Communication TechnologyRequired laboratory experience in at least four courses in core disciplinary areas (as identified in Standard 2) with a minimum total of 96 laboratory hours as recognized and approved on course outlines.ADDITIONAL REQUIRED INFORMATIONIn addition to the above information, institutions are also required to present the following information in their self study document:

• mission and objectives of the school and program
• degree requirements
• description of cooperative activities with other academic and/or professional units
• description of laboratory and teaching facilities
• description of equipment used in program
• number of graduating students for past 7 years
• faculty/staff profiles
• syllabi of all courses
• university calendar (hyperlink)

CCUPEKA Accreditation Procedure and StructureThe CCUPEKA Accreditation Council adjudicates decisions for both Kinesiology and Physical Education Teacher Preparation reviews. The Council consists of an Accreditation Council Coordinator and 6 members of CCUPEKA. A panel of Reviewers is approved by Accreditation Council. The panel may have up to 14 members and members of the Council may also serve as reviewers.The Accreditation Council members are normally nominated from the current CCUPEKA membership.

• Accreditation Council

Responsibilities of Accreditation CouncilMembers will serve fo rthree year ovelapping terms (eligible for reappointment). Francophone and Anglophone representation is required.Duties of the Accreditation Council:Accreditation Council:

• receives and formulates a response to accreditation reviews,
• makes a motion to approve the reviewers’ recommendations,
• issues the Accreditation Statement,
• presents recommendations for changes to the accreditation standards and procedures to the CCUPEKA membership.
• Accreditation Coordinator

The Accreditation Coordinator will be appointed by the CCUPEKA Executive for a three year term (eligible for reappointment).Duties of the Accreditation Coordinator:

• chair Accreditation Council meetings
• develop a list of reviewers
• compile the institutional applications
• aid CCUPEKA units in the reviewer selection
• recruit candidates for the review panel and for the Accreditation Council
• coordinate training for reviewers
• liaise between reviewers and programs applying for accreditation
• where necessary appoint an appeal review panel
• communicate with professional and disciplinary organizations
• liaise with government agencies where necessary
• Panel of Reviewers.

A group of up to 14 reviewers will be selected by the Accreditation Council. Individuals may be nominated to the panel by a CCUPEKA member.Duties of the Reviewers:

• read and review the institutional self- study; complete site visit at applying institution
• prepare a final report that presents a clear description of compliance or areas of non-compliance with the Accreditation standards.
• review an institution’s re-submission where appropriate
• make recommendations to the Accreditation CouncilWhere possible, the report should be submitted to the Accreditation Coordinator within six weeks.

The Accreditation ProcessKinesiology and Physical Education Academic Units are accredited for a period of seven years.

• Institutional Application for Accreditation is sent to the Accreditation Coordinator with accreditation fee submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Step 1:  A completed application form (which includes the institutional self-study) and any required supporting documents is submitted to the Accreditation Coordinator. The downloadable form template that must be used is located in the Members Only section of the CCUPEKA website.Step 2: The accreditation fee is submitted to the Secretary-Treasure, with notification to the Accreditation Coordinator that the fee has been submitted.One electronic copy of the Accreditation form and related materials should be sent to the CCUPEKA Accreditation Council Coordinator:Carol D. Rodgers, PhD Associate Professor University of Saskatchewan College of Kinesiology Ph: 306-966-1172carol.rodgers@usask.ca

• The Review and Remediation Process

Selection of reviewers is a joint process between the program to be accrediated and the Accreditation Coordinator. Reviewers will provide the Accreditation Coordinator with their written report. These reports will be provided by the Coordinator to the institutions under review. Reviewers may require clarification on some issues and this will be communicated to the institution via the Coordinator. If Reviewers feel some standards have been met while others not, the institution will have the opportunity to provide a re-submission on how the outstanding standards are currently or will be met. These should once again be provided the Accreditation Coordinator and these will be forwarded to the Reviewers. In the case of a deficiency or required revision that the program is attempting to redress, the program under review needs to provide the Coordinator with a plan for revision and expected timeline. Normally the review process must be completed within 18 months or it must begin anew.In the event that a program does not meet the Accreditation Standards the Coordinator will request of the institution whether they will appeal the review, make adaptations to their program with the goal of reapplying, or withdraw the application.Normally, reviewed units have eighteen months to comply with the Accreditation Council recommendations in order to meet the Accreditation Standards.

• Accreditation Statement

The Accreditation Council makes a recommendation for accreditation of an institution to the general CCUPEKA membership. CCUPEKA ratifies the decision of the Accreditation Council. Once accreditation is ratified by CCUPEKA, the Accreditation Council issues an accreditation statement to the institution.

• Fee Structure

Site visit review is $2,000 Out of this fee, the honorarium for each reviewer is $700.The reviewed unit is also responsible for reviewer’s expenses associated with an on-site review.

• Appeal Process

Any academic unit that receives an adverse decision on accreditation may appeal that decision. An adverse decision as defined by CCUPEKA Accreditation Council includes the denial of application for accreditation.An adverse decision may be appealed on the grounds that:

• CCUPEKA accreditation standards were disregarded.
• CCUPEKA accreditation procedures were not followed.
• Evidence favourable to the applicant and provided to the Reviewers /Accreditation Council was not taken into consideration.

If one or more of these conditions were a factor in the denial of accreditation application, the means of redress is through the appeal process.An appeal is heard by a Review Panel, consisting of three members selected by the Accreditation Coordinator, from the Review Board. Responsibility for acting on the findings and recommendations of the Review Panel rests with the Accreditation Council. The findings and recommendations of the Review Panel are communicated to the appellant and to the Accreditation Council Coordinator in a written report that conveys the basis for the action taken by the Panel. The Accreditation Council will act on the Panel’s findings. The subsequent action will be based on the grounds for appeal that were upheld by the Review Panel.The accreditation status of the appellant remains unchanged until the appeal process has been exhausted.Process of Appeal

• Within 60 days of receiving notice of a decision, an institution electing to appeal  that decision must present the Accreditation Council Coordinator a written notification of its intention to appeal.
• No later than 30 days from the date that it submits its notification, the institution must submit a brief to the coordinator that sets forth the specifics of its appeal and includes full documentation.
• After consultation with the appellant, the Coordinator will appoint a Review Panel, drawn from the Review Board, to hear the appeal. One of the appointees will be designated as Chair of the Review Panel.
• No later that 30 days after the appellant’s submission, the Review Panel will review the appeal. Prior to the hearing, the Panel is briefed by the Coordinator on the process and procedures for hearing an appeal, and rendering a decision.
• The Panel prepares a written report that conveys the basis of its findings on the appeal and submits that report to the appellant and to the Accreditation Coordinator. The Coordinator then presents the findings to the Accreditation Council for their information. The decision of the Review Panel is final and represents the decision of Accreditation Council.The decision is subject to disclosure and notification to member institutions.

Cost of AppealIf the appeal leads to an affirmation of the Accreditation Council’s original decision, the appellant will be liable for a set fee of $500.00 to cover the expenses of the appeal process. If the Panel finds in favour of the institution, the fee will not be assessed.

• English version
• French version

• CCUPEKA ACCREDITATION Site Visit Requirements

Accreditation for Physical Education

Teacher Preparation Programs 2012

The Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators Accreditation Council

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• General Education Outcomes and Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards
• Accreditation Procedure and Structure
• Responsibilities of Accreditation Council
• Accreditation Process

NOTE: A template for Physical Education Accreditation can be found in the Resources section.IntroductionThe CCUPEKA Accreditation Council is the accrediting agency for undergraduate pre-educational and undergraduate integrated Physical Education/ Teacher Preparation programs in Canada. To be accredited, a unit must satisfy the minimal standards set forth in the accreditation document. Accreditation is open only to the Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA) member institutions.The main purpose of accreditation is to evaluate whether reviewed programs meet the minimum standards of education and training for graduates. However, by applying minimum standard criteria, we will not interfere with innovation and diversity of individual programs. While the achievement of minimum standards will guarantee the basic quality of programs, it may also serve as an incentive for further improvement and creative growth. The Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards (MDAS) offer a framework for the development and organization of disciplinary knowledge and practical skills for graduates; these standards form a basis for the academic unit’s curriculum design and should be reflected in the unit’s mission statementThe CCUPEKA Accreditation System serves the following functions:

• Identifies General Education Outcomes necessary for the continued study of Physical Education and teaching practice.
• Sets Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards for Physical Education programs and ensures that programs meet the standards and expectations of the national and international disciplinary, professional, and educational communities.
• Encourages increased credibility and acceptance of physical education/ teacher preparation programs.
• Provides a basis for self-evaluation and comparison with programs of a similar nature
• May serve as a rationale for requests for more resources in the changing disciplinary  and professional environment
• Positively affects the maintenance of specialized, permanent faculty positions
• Helps students identify appropriate university programs in Canada
• Facilitates the transferability of courses
• Facilitates student transfer between programs
• Facilitates admission to the B.Ed. programs in Faculties of Education and enhances recognition of qualifications for teaching certification.

In order to establish minimum standards for university Physical Education/ Teacher Preparation programs it is necessary to identify the “needs” of the teaching profession in terms of competencies. This entails what a physical education teacher should be able to do, understand, and value. General Educational Outcomes (GEO’s) of teacher preparation must reflect the competencies required by professional practice. GEO’s are affected by three main forces: educational experiences, research and professional practice. Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) and CCUPEKA should cooperate to continuously redefine the General Educational Outcomes for graduates of Physical Education/ Teacher Preparation programs in order to meet the practical demands of the provincial education systems. The minimum standards provide institutions and students with flexibility to function in different educational settings and ensure that graduates have the necessary background to teach effectively in their chosen areas. These standards ensure that teacher preparation programs are delivered by academic units with sufficient faculty resources to offer coherent and effective programs with both breadth and depth of human movement study and pedagogy.The national accreditation system of Physical Education/ Teacher Preparation strives to overcome differences in the current provincial or regional systems of teacher preparation. Essentially, there are two structurally different systems of teacher reparation programs in Canada.SEQUENTIAL SYSTEM: The responsibility for fulfilling the Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards in the Sequential system is divided between the undergraduate pre-education teacher preparation program (stream) and pedagogical education provided through a B.Ed. program.INTEGRATED SYSTEM: In the Integrated system, the teacher preparation program is responsible for fulfilling all Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation Standards. Students are admitted to such a program after Senior Matriculation or after one or two years of undergraduate study.General Education Outcomes and Minimum Disciplinary Accreditation StandardsUndergraduate sequential Physical Education programs are primarily responsible for Standards one through six.Bachelor of Education programs are responsible for Standard VII.Undergraduate integrated Physical Education / Teacher Preparation programs are responsible for all seven Standards.Undergraduate Sequential And Integrated Educational ProgramsGEO 1 The Disciplinary and Applied Preparation in Physical EducationA graduate functions effectively in the Physical Education instructional setting and develops specialization in Physical Education disciplinary areasSTANDARD 1 Program StructureProgram accreditation requirements:

• Structure

Four year degree program with minimum 40 courses.  In Quebec, 3 year degree program with CEGEP and min of 30 courses.

• Breadth of Curricular Offerings:

Fifty percent of the total number of courses for the undergraduate Physical Education / Teacher Preparation programs must be offered by the Physical Education / Kinesiology unit. (15 out of 30, or 20 out of 40 courses).University programs, which require more than forty courses for the degree must offer a minimum of twenty courses by the Physical Education / Kinesiology unit.

• Depth of Curricular Offerings:

A minimum of four physical education courses should be offered at an advanced level.  “Advanced level” is defined by the program’s mission.

• Faculty Complement:

Seventy five percent of the physical education courses in the physical education disciplinary areas must be taught by full-time physical education/kinesiology faculty/staff.GEO 2 Knowledge of Disciplinary ContentA graduate:

• analyzes movement using principles of the Natural Sciences, the Social Sciences and Humanities.
• engages in inquiry about the validity and centrality of different ideas and perspectives in the disciplinary domains

STANDARD 2 Minimum Core Curriculum – Disciplinary ContentRequired courses: human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and control, psychology of physical activity and two courses in social science and/or humanities area. (total of 8 courses)GEO 3 Knowledge of Physical Education Specialized ContentA graduate:  describes and demonstrates basic techniques, strategies and safety related to basic movement, games, sports, dance, outdoor activities, as well as exercise and health related fitness. STANDARD 3 Minimum Core Curriculum – ActivitiesRequired courses: formalized games, sports, and physical activities in alternative environments; dance; basic movement (e.g. track and field, gymnastics); recreation and leisure pursuits, and exercise and health related fitness (4 courses or equivalent). The courses should include what is being taught in the provincial school systems.Required emphases: Activity courses involve both instructional stategies and analysis of movement.GEO 4 Health and Physical Activity PromotionA graduate: plans and implements developmentally appropriate health instruction for life-long learning, promotes individual and community health, and integrates health/fitness instruction into school life.STANDARD 4 Minimum Core Curriculum – Health /DevelopmentRequired courses:  two courses:1)  health education, and 2) growth and development*Health education assumes concepts of health promotion and nutrition are covered.GEO 5 Special PopulationsA graduate identifies special needs and the diversity of learning styles and implements teaching strategies which maximize the potential of students with a variety of special needs and learning styles. STANDARD 5 Minimum Core Curriculum – Special PopulationsRequired course: one course in physical education for special populations. Sequential Undergraduate Programs OnlyGEO 6 Course selection – SpecializationThe student selects courses required by university and provincial regulations to be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Education program.STANDARD 6 Requirements for Admission to the B.Ed. Program.Required courses: Physical Education / Teacher Preparation pre-educational programs must follow all provincial regulations for admission to the Bachelor of Education programs and document an alignment with the programs in the Faculty of Education.Integrated Undergraduate Education And B.Ed. Programs (Teaching License)GEO 7 Pedagogy of Physical EducationInstructional StrategiesA graduate:

• plans, manages, presents and develops the content of instruction, identifies curricular goals, designs and implements progressive teaching strategies based on developmental needs and safe instruction.
• designs and implements learning experiences that are safe, developmentally appropriate and socially relevant.
• develops and applies pedagogical strategies associated with the promotion of healthy, active living.
• designs and implements learning strategies that may result in change in physical activity and health behaviors.
• relates learning environment to knowledge acquisition.
• promotes self-regulatory learning.
• uses motivational strategies to promote life-long participation in physical activity.
• develops communication strategies for promotion of physical education activities with students, parents/guardians, school administrators, colleagues and the larger community.
• promotes the use of new technologies, e.g., computers, networks, multimedia.

Learner Assessment/Reflection TeachingA graduate:

• uses formal and informal assessment techniques.
• teaches self-assessment strategies.
• teaches peer assessment strategies.
• evaluates methods of assessment.
• researches information and critically reflects on practices and outcomes of the Physical/ Health Education program.
• evaluates the teaching – learning process and implements adjustments in order to enhance program effectiveness.
• engages in self-reflection on teaching effectiveness.

Professional DevelopmentA graduate:

• promotes the professional development of self and others through membership in national and provincial organizations.
• contributes to the profession through action research, curriculum renewal, and participation in professional conferences, in-services and continuing education.
• develops partnerships that enhance the physical / health education program.

STANDARD 7 Minimum Core Curriculum -Pedagogy of Physical EducationProgram accreditation requirements: B. Ed. and Integrated programs must offer courses in Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy of Physical Education, Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education, Curriculum Design and Implementation, and Special populations.The program must offer a minimum of ten weeks of teaching practice in a physical activity environment.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIn addition to the above information, institutions are also required to present the following information in their self study document:

• mission and objectives of the school and program
• degree requirements
• description of cooperative activities with other academic and/or professional units
• description of laboratory and teaching facilities
• description of equipment used in the program
• number of graduating students for past 7 years
• faculty/staff profiles
• syllabi of all courses
• university calendar (hyperlink)

CCUPEKA Accreditation Procedure and StructureThe CCUPEKA Accreditation Council adjudicates decisions for both Kinesiology and Physical Education Teacher Preparation reviews. The Council consists of an Accreditation Council Coordinator and 6 members of CCUPEKA. A panel of Reviewers is approved by Accreditation Council. The panel may have up to 14 members and members of the Council may also serve as reviewers.The Accreditation Council members are normally nominated from the current CCUPEKA membership.

• Accreditation Council

Responsibilities of Accreditation CouncilMembers will serve for three year overlapping terms (eligible for reappointment). Francophone and Anglophone representation is required.Duties of the Accreditation Council:Accreditation Council:

• receives and formulates a response to accreditation reviews,
• makes a motion to approve the reviewers’ recommendations,
• issues the Accreditation Statement,
• presents recommendations for changes to the accreditation standards and procedures to the CCUPEKA membership
• Accreditation Coordinator

The Accreditation Coordinator will be appointed by the CCUPEKA Executive for a three year term (eligible for reappointment).Duties of the Accreditation Coordinator:

• chair Accreditation Council meetings
• develop a list of reviewers
• compile the institutional applications
• aid CCUPEKA units in the reviewer selection
• recruit candidates for the review panel and for the Accreditation Council
• coordinate training for reviewers
• liaise between reviewers and programs applying for accreditation
• where necessary appoint an appeal review panel
• communicate with professional and disciplinary organizations
• liaise with government agencies where necessary
• Panel of Reviewers.

A group of up to 14 reviewers will be selected by the Accreditation Council. Individuals may be nominated to the panel by a CCUPEKA member.Duties of the Reviewers:

• read and review the institutional self- study; complete a site visit at the applying institution
• prepare final report that presents a clear description of compliance or areas of non-compliance with the Accreditation standards.
• review an institution’s re-submission where appropriate
• make recommendations to the Accreditation CouncilWhere possible, the report should be submitted to the Accreditation Coordinator within six weeks.

The Accreditation ProcessKinesiology and Physical Education Academic Units are accredited for a period of seven years.

• Institutional Application for Accreditation is sent to the Accreditation Coordinator with accreditation fee submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Step 1:  A completed application form (which includes the institutional self-study) and any required supporting documents is submitted to the Accreditation Coordinator. The downloadable form template that must be used is located in the Members Only section of the CCUPEKA website.Step 2: The accreditation fee is submitted to the Secretary-Treasure, with notification to the Accreditation Coordinator that the fee has been submitted.One electronic copy of the Accrediation form and related materials should be sent to the CCUPEKA Accreditation Council Coordinator:Carol D. Rodgers, PhD Associate Professor University of Saskatchewan College of Kinesiology Ph: 306-966-1172carol.rodgers@usask.ca

• The Review and Remediation Process

Selection of reviewers is a joint process between the program to be accredited and the Accreditation Coordinator. Reviewers will provide the Accreditation Coordinator with their written report. These reports will be provided by the Coordinator to the institutions under review. Reviewers may require clarification on some issues and this will be communicated to the institution via the Coordinator. If Reviewers feel some standards have been met while others not, the institution will have the opportunity to provide a re-submission on how the outstanding standards are currently or will be met. These should once again be provided the Accreditation Coordinator and these will be forwarded to the Reviewers. In the case of a deficiency or required revision that the program is attempting to redress, the program under review needs to provide the Coordinator with a plan for revision and expected timeline. Normally the review process must be completed within 18 months or it must begin anew.In the event that a program does not meet the Accreditation Standards the Coordinator will request of the institution whether they will appeal the review, make adaptations to their program with the goal of reapplying, or withdraw the application.Normally, reviewed units have eighteen months to comply with the Accreditation Council recommendations in order to meet the Accreditation Standards.

• Accreditation Statement

The Accreditation Council makes a recommendation for accreditation of an institution to the general CCUPEKA membership. CCUPEKA ratifies the decision of the Accreditation Council. Once accreditation is ratified by CCUPEKA, the Accreditation Council issues an accreditation statement to the institution.

• Fee Structure

Site visit review is $2,000Out of this fee, the honorarium for each reviewer is $700.The reviewed unit is also responsible for reviewer’s expenses associated with an on-site review.

• Appeal Process

Any academic unit that receives an adverse decision on accreditation may appeal that decision. An adverse decision as defined by CCUPEKA Accreditation Council includes the denial of application for accreditation.An adverse decision may be appealed on the grounds that:

• CCUPEKA accreditation standards were disregarded.
• CCUPEKA accreditation procedures were not followed.
• Evidence favourable to the applicant and provided to the Reviewers /Accreditation Council was not taken into consideration.

If one or more of these conditions were a factor in the denial of accreditation application, the means of redress is through the appeal process.An appeal is heard by a Review Panel, consisting of three members selected by the Accreditation Coordinator, from the Review Board. Responsibility for acting on the findings and recommendations of the Review Panel rests with the Accreditation Council. The findings and recommendations of the Review Panel are communicated to the appellant and to the Accreditation Council Coordinator in a written report that conveys the basis for the action taken by the Panel. The Accreditation Council will act on the Panel’s findings. The subsequent action will be based on the grounds for appeal that were upheld by the Review Panel.The accreditation status of the appellant remains unchanged until the appeal process has been exhausted.Process of Appeal

• Within 60 days of receiving notice of a decision, an institution electing to appeal  that decision must present the Accreditation Council Coordinator a written notification of its intention to appeal.
• No later than 30 days from the date that it submits its notification, the institution must submit a brief to the coordinator that sets forth the specifics of its appeal and includes full documentation.
• After consultation with the appellant, the Coordinator will appoint a Review Panel, drawn from the Review Board, to hear the appeal. One of the appointees will be designated as Chair of the Review Panel.
• No later that 30 days after the appellant’s submission, the Review Panel will review the appeal. Prior to the hearing, the Panel is briefed by the Coordinator on the process and procedures for hearing an appeal, and rendering a decision.
• The Panel prepares a written report that conveys the basis of its findings on the appeal and submits that report to the appellant and to the Accreditation Coordinator. The Coordinator then presents the findings to the Accreditation Council for their information. The decision of the Review Panel is final and represents the decision of Accreditation Council.The decision is subject to disclosure and notification to member institutions.

Cost of Appeal.If the appeal leads to an affirmation of the Accreditation Council’s original decision, the appellant will be liable for a set fee of $500.00 to cover the expenses of the appeal process. If the Panel finds in favour of the institution, the fee will not be assessed.

• English version
• French version

• CCUPEKA ACCREDITATION Site Visit Requirements