Accreditation Timetable
Once a school has determined its readiness for an accreditation visit, the school will begin the
reflective Self Study process that begins the formal accreditation process. The following table
outlines a sample timetable for the accreditation process.
Time Frame
1-2 years prior to Visiting Team
visit
At least 1 year before visit
9-12 months before visit
6-9 months before the visit
6 weeks to 2 months before the
visit
6 weeks to 1 month before the
visit
Actual Visit
1-2 months after visit
Action Steps
Discuss preparation for the Self Study with the Director of
Accreditation.
Plan for accreditation expenses, including a full opinion audit.
Orient board, faculty, and administration to Self Study process
Consider sending representatives to the NWAIS Self Study
Coordinators Workshop
Appoint a Self Study Coordinator and steering committee and have
them attend the NWAIS Self Study Coordinator Workshop and
join the NWAIS Self Study Coordinator’s list serve.
Review mission and philosophy as starting point for Self Study.
Establish calendar and appoint faculty/staff committees with
assistance of Self Study Coordinator.
Conduct surveys of faculty, students, parents, and community.
Work with Director of Accreditation to choose a Visiting Team
Chair.
Schedule in-house sharing and review of Self Study sections.
Complete Visiting Team Planning Sheet and return to Director of
Accreditation in order to facilitate decisions concerning size
and membership of team.
Invite the Visiting Team Chair and Vice Chair for a Preliminary Visit
to discuss key Self Study issues and determine the school’s
readiness for a visit.
Finalize arrangements for the Visiting Team: travel, meals,
accommodations, work space, computers.
Complete final editing and printing of Self Study Report.
Send a hard copy of the Self Study Report to each Visiting Team
member and an electronic copy to the NWAIS office.
Remind all constituencies at the school of the purpose of the visit
and what to expect during the team’s visit.
Host Visiting Team.
Review Visiting Team draft report for factual errors
Receive the Visiting Team Report understanding that the
Accreditation Committee may make changes.
NWAIS Accreditation Committee
Review
Accreditation Committee meets in the fall, winter, and spring and
makes recommendations to the NWAIS Board
NWAIS Board review
The NWAIS Board meets in November, February, and April/May to
discuss the Accreditation Committee’s recommendations.
Decisions are shared with school shortly thereafter.
Within 30-36 months,
or as specified by NWAIS
Submit Response Report, addressing recommendations of the
Visiting Team.