Leveraging Accreditation to Drive Innovation

American Association of Community Colleges

Jo Alice Blondin and Merrill L. Irving Jr.

April 7, 2024

In the realm of higher education, the process of accreditation holds significant weight. It serves as both a validation of institutional quality, an impetus for continuous improvement, and a gatekeeper for financial aid and credit transfer.

Yet, all too often, colleges approach reaffirmation of their accreditation with a mindset fixated solely on meeting requirements rather than leveraging the process as a catalyst for innovation and equity. This shortsighted approach not only hampers the potential for growth but also perpetuates disparities within underserved communities.

The crux of the matter lies in a fundamental shift of perspective. Rather than viewing reaffirmation as a bureaucratic hurdle, institutions and their leadership should embrace it as an opportunity for effectiveness, improvement and transformation. Central to this paradigm shift is the recognition that the populations served by these institutions must be prioritized above all else, which represents a further focus on mission-reflective accreditation.

Additionally, data around student success and student intent are critical, and an understanding of this data must permeate the institution at all levels.

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