faculty is apparent, the role of faculty in the accreditation process has been solidified by
both AAUP and CHEA.
Impact of Accreditation on Faculty Members
Several studies have been conducted on the impact of the accreditation process on
faculty. Brase (1964) studied curriculum changes at selected two-year colleges initiated
by the evaluation process used by the Middle States Association of College and Schools
accrediting body. He asserted that:
During the 1-year period following accreditation committee visits to four junior
colleges, the author visited these institutions and studied their self evaluation
reports and the visiting committee reports in an effort to determine the effects of
the accreditation process on the quality of instruction. While actions were taken as
results of both the self-studies and the committee recommendations, the latter
accounted for most of these actions. The visiting committee recommendations are
the most influential change stimulus in the accrediting process. Changes in
curriculum were most numerous. (Brase, 1964, abstract)
This study implies that the accreditation experience does indeed bring about changes, as
accreditors‘ recommendations influenced faculty to undertake curricular changes.
Nichols (1995), in Assessment Case Studies: Common Issues in Implementation
with Various Campus Approaches to Resolution, found that faculty members have an
increased desire to play an active role in the self-study portion of the accreditation
process and an increased desire to become a member of accreditation peer committees.
By becoming members of peer committees, faculty indicated an interest in affecting
institutional effectiveness and student learning assessment procedures from inside the
accreditation process. Nichols (1995) concluded:
Clearly the best motivation situation existed for faculty ‗buy-in‘ [of accreditation
practices] when faculty: originated the process, did not feel threatened, and were
provided with a substantial role in shaping the process. Indication of the intent of
the institution to use the results in a formative manner early in the [accreditation]
process was found to be a key in faculty motivation.