Charleston, W. Va. — Today the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy and the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal released a new policy brief recommending best practices for colleges and universities when selecting an accreditor. Changes to regulations from the U.S. Department of Education during the Trump administration allow any accreditor to do business anywhere in the country – transforming regional accreditors into national accreditors.
“Trustees should understand their options when looking for a new accreditor. This report will help them know what to look for,” said Jenna A. Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal.
The brief identifies nationally recognized accreditors with a track record of interfering with the governance processes of higher education institutions. The authors, Adam Kissel, senior fellow of the Cardinal Institute, and Jenna A. Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center, provide criteria to university trustees and senior administrators for choosing an accreditor suited to reviewing their institution.
Criteria include examining the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices of an accreditor, analyzing the costs and benefits they provide, and inquiring into the accreditor’s flexibility with educational innovation.
“West Virginia is one of the leaders in letting any college choose any recognized accreditor. With this report, institutional leaders now have criteria to help them choose the best one for their institution’s unique circumstances,” said Adam Kissel, senior fellow for the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy.