Frequently Asked Questions: NASAD Standards Review

What are the NASAD Standards?

NASAD Standards are statements regarding basic requirements and conditions for the study of the visual arts and design, and for the awarding of degrees and credentials in art and design and art/design-related fields at precollegiate, collegiate, and graduate levels. The official current standards are published in the latest edition of the NASAD Handbook and in current Handbook addenda, if any.

What is the fundamental purpose of the NASAD Standards?

To help students preparing to work professionally in art and design obtain the best possible education and training by creating a national conceptual foundation to support the efforts of institutions with significant goals for visual arts and/or design study.

What is the source of the present NASAD Standards?

The current NASAD Standards represent the evolved consensus of the institutional members of NASAD, developed over the sixty-five year history of the Association. Consensus positions reflect the results of field-wide consultations.

What do I need to remember as I review NASAD Standards texts and revision drafts?

• The NASAD Standards are national statements of consensus about threshold requirements for various degrees and credentials, and for the operations of schools of art/design. Thresholds define what is necessary for all.
• They provide a basic framework, not a detailed blueprint, for the individual programs developed by institutions and faculties.
• They must leave ample room for institutions and faculties to create and operate their own programs and fulfill their own and their students’ aspirations. The standards should produce a reasonable commonality in certain areas, but not standardization.
• They must be sufficient to articulate the requirements and needs of the field to those outside the field, including those with policy or funding influence over institutions, programs, and the field as a whole. The standards must protect as well as provide basic guidance.
• They must explain degree and program requirements to the public as well as to artists and designers.
• They must be usable in the peer-review process for NASAD accredited institutional membership.

What is the relationship of the NASAD Standards to issues of quality?

The NASAD Standards outline the basic conditions for quality. Beyond these basics, qual­ity itself comes from the efforts of individuals working both alone and together. NASAD Standards support efforts to raise quality where it can be raised by establishing the char­acteristics of a contextual framework for pursuing the highest possible quality, individual by individual and institution by institution.

In general, how are the NASAD Standards structured?

The major standards sections start with common requirements for all programs of a certain type. Then, specializations are addressed. Thus, the complete set of standards for a spe­cific degree program includes both the specific and the general standards applicable to that program.

How are statements regarding percentages interpreted?

Percentages appearing in curricular standards indicate the normal time necessary to develop (a) competence in specific areas of study and (b) the range of competencies expected of those who receive various specific degrees and credentials. Percentages are benchmarks, not calipers. Content, time, competence, and their interrelationships are the primary issues. Percentages are indicators about, not substitutes for, the development of competence.

How are words such as “must” and “should” interpreted?

Criteria and provisions in NASAD standards are applied with careful attention to distinctions among standards, guidelines, and recommendations. Statements using terms such as “shall,” “must,” and “essential” outline threshold standards. Statements using the word “normally” indicate one or more of the numerous conditions usually present when there is compliance with a threshold standard. Statements using the word “should” represent guidelines. Statements using the terms “recommendation” or “suggestion” indicate advice based on consensus of the profession. Accreditation is based on assurance that an institution meets the threshold stan­dards agreed upon by the Association. Guidelines and advice, while related to fulfillment of functions required by the standards, are not themselves threshold standards.

What kinds of comments are “out of bounds”?

• Comments that seek to impose the particular unique approach of an institution or individual
  as a national requirement.
• Comments on general requirements associated with breadth of competence that blatantly promote the welfare of a particular field or specialization, or its practitioners, at the expense of other fields or specializations.
• Comments that seek to impose highly specific content choices.
• Comments that are not germane to the standards review.

How will the NASAD Standards Review proceed?

Comments on the standards or draft revisions received in any comment period will be considered as the next draft is developed. The next draft is then posted on the web for an additional review. This sequence may be repeated more than once. At some point, when the NASAD Executive Committee determines that sufficient consensus has been reached, the final draft will be sent to the institutional representatives of NASAD member institutions, who will seek local advice and counsel, comment, and ultimately vote on a standards revision proposal.

This same pattern will be used for all parts of the NASAD Standards.

Notice is provided prior to all votes as required in the NASAD Bylaws.

What do I need to do to keep current with the NASAD Standards Review?

Follow and participate by regular visits to the Standards Review section of the NASAD web site: http://nasad.arts-accredit.org. The Standards Review section can be accessed from the main navigational menu at the top of any page of the NASAD web site.

How can I have access to the present standards in the NASAD Handbook?

The most recent edition of the NASAD Handbook is available online in PDF format to review, print, and/or search the text--go to http://nasad.arts-accredit.org, click on Publications from the main navigational menu at the top of any page of the NASAD web site, then click on Books. You can also find a link to the Handbook PDF file in the right sidebar on the introductory page of the Standards Review section of the NASAD web site.

Will I receive a response to my suggestions?

NASAD is grateful for all comments and will give careful review and consideration to each one. However, due to the volume of responses, you will be contacted only if we need to ask you a question. The Association deeply appreciates your understanding.

What do I receive for participating?

The deep appreciation of NASAD and its member institutions for this particular demonstra­tion of your citizenship in the art/design community.

CONTACTS

If you need assistance or have a concern regarding any aspect of the standards review, please
contact Sarah Yount (syount@arts-accredit.org) at the NASAD National Office.

Kindly report any website problems or broken links to Willa Shaffer: wshaffer@arts-accredit.org.

Thank you.