The primary purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a mechanism that assists institutions and programs to analyze their operations, work, and aspirations. The results encourage artistic and educational improvements. The review is placed in the context of nationally-developed standards and facilitated by using consistent procedures that ensure fairness and objectivity. NASAD’s focus is service rather than control. Since each institution is unique, the accreditation process balances two concerns: (1) An institution’s ability to fulfill NASAD standards for curricular programs offered, and (2) Evaluation of institutional achievements based on the purposes and aspirations determined by specific institutions and for specific curricula.
In preparation for applications for membership, please review the items below. The NASAD staff is available if any questions arise and looks forward to working with you as you prepare for your application.
- Eligibility. Review your institution’s eligibility and the definitions of membership/membership categories (i.e., Membership and Associate Membership).
- NASAD Handbook. Review the Standards for Accreditation, as well as the Association’s Constitution, Bylaws (includes description of Membership categories, dues and fees structure, etc.), Code of Ethics, and Rules of Practice and Procedure. Please review the Handbook carefully to ensure your institution has the ability to meet or exceed all applicable standards for accreditation.
- NASAD Procedures. Review the NASAD Procedures for Institutions, Procedures for Self-Study, Instructions for Preparing Curricular Tables, and Procedures for Visiting Evaluators. Review and consider the various Self-Study formats. Please review the procedures carefully to ensure that your institution is capable and prepared to submit a complete and comprehensive application.
- Consultative Services. NASAD strongly advises new institutional applicants to host an NASAD consultant prior to the official on-site visit. NASAD also offers consultative services through NASAD staff.
- Eligibility and Membership Rules for NASAD Accreditation of Single Professional Programs. NASAD has eligibility and membership rules for accreditation of single professional programs in certain fields (see NASAD Handbook, Rules of Practice and Procedure, Part II., Article I, Section 3.G.).
- Connections with Other Review Procedures. If your institution wishes to hold a joint or concurrent visit with NASAD’s and that of another accrediting agency, inform the NASAD National Office at least two years in advance of the visit.
- NASAD Annual Meeting. Attend the NASAD Annual Meeting each October. Participate in the workshop entitled “Preparing for NASAD Evaluation.”
- Individual Membership. During preparation for application for accreditation, the art/design executive is encouraged to become an individual member of NASAD in order to remain current with the work of the Association.
- Higher Education Arts Data Services (HEADS). Institutions applying to NASAD for the first time must include the latest HEADS Data Survey in its Self-Study as part of the Management Documents Portfolio. See Procedures for the Self-Study Document (Format A, B, or C) for further information.
- Instructions for Preparing Curricular Tables in the NASAD Format. Review this document as an essential resource to completing the Self-Study.
- Definitions. A helpful glossary of definitions is available for terms related to the NASAD accreditation process.