Project Goals:

• Define a common nomenclature for non-credit programs and credentials, defining the scope of offerings that will be encompassed in this new recognition process;
• Develop a draft addendum to the Standards for Accreditation that will serve as a framework for assuring the quality of an institution’s non-credit programs and credentials;
• Develop a process for periodic evaluation of an institution’s non-credit offerings;
• Create a set of case studies based on the six institutions participating in the task force;
• Develop a framework that could be used for quality assurance and recognition of non-traditional providers.

Activities and Timeline:

• Six institutions and team members identified to participate in Taskforce (Nov 30, 2022)
• Kickoff Meeting with Teams (December/January 2023)
• In-Person Meetings (Spring and Summer 2023)
• Draft addendum to Standards for Accreditation and process for periodic evaluation developed for Commission review and possible adoption (June 2023)
• Framework for non-traditional providers developed (October 2023)
• Case Studies developed (October 2023)

Project Deliverables:

• White Paper with Case Studies (November 2023)
• Evaluation Report (November 2023)
• Presentation at NECHE Annual Meeting (December 2023)
• Addendum to NECHE Standards for Accreditation (September 2023)

Participating Institutions and Team Members:

• Bunker Hill Community College
• Central Connecticut State University
• Great Bay Community College
• Holyoke Community College
• Northern Essex Community College
• Rhode Island College

Quality Assurance Framework and Case Studies