Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Certificate

Required Courses (12 Hours)

• PM 672 - The Practice of Project Management (3)
• PM 620 - Strategic Leadership in Higher Education Accreditation Management (3)
• PM 610 - Advanced Assessment Practices in Higher Education (3)
• PM 674 - Case Study & Application of Project Management (3)

Criteria for Admission

Admittance into the certificate program necessitates the completion of a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) and a solid grasp of accreditation and assessment fields. Candidates are urged to either actively participate in or have the opportunity to engage with assessment and accreditation practices within their home institution. 

Submission materials for the application encompass:

• Academic transcripts: Kindly procure official transcripts from all institutions you have attended, whether undergraduate, graduate or professional.
• Personal statement: Detail your enthusiasm for the online Higher Education Assessment certificate and elucidate why you are a fitting candidate for admission to Avila University.
• Resume: The Admissions Committee values work experience and career trajectory. Resumes should adhere to a professional format and encompass contact details, educational history, professional background, and proficiencies.

Outcomes

1. Proficiency in Project Management 

   Participants will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and methodologies, enabling them to effectively plan, execute, and monitor assessment and accreditation initiatives within higher education institutions.

2. Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills 

   Participants will develop proficiency in conflict resolution techniques and negotiation strategies, equipping them with the ability to navigate and resolve conflicts that may arise during assessment and accreditation processes, thereby fostering harmonious relationships within their institutions.

3. Interpersonal Communication Competence 

    Participants will enhance their interpersonal communication skills, including active listening, clear articulation of ideas, and effective collaboration, enabling them to engage constructively with stakeholders involved in assessment and accreditation activities and facilitate successful outcomes.

4. Mastery of Assessment Design Principles 

Participants will attain proficiency in higher education assessment design principles, including the development of measurable learning outcomes, selection of appropriate assessment methods, and utilization of data analysis techniques, enabling them to design effective assessment plans tailored to the unique needs and objectives of their institution.

   5. Compliance with Accreditation Standards

Participants will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure institutional compliance with accreditation standards, demonstrating the ability to interpret and apply accreditation criteria, conduct self-assessment activities, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance institutional performance and meet accreditation requirements.

Assessment

Proficiency in Project Management

Assessment Method: Case Study Analysis

Description: Participants will be presented with a case study scenario related to higher education assessment or accreditation project. They will analyze the case study, identify project management principles applied (or lacking), and propose recommendations for effective project planning, execution, and monitoring.

Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills

Assessment Method: Role-Play Exercise

Description: Participants will engage in a simulated role-play scenario where they encounter conflicts or negotiation situations commonly found in higher education assessment and accreditation settings. They will demonstrate their ability to employ conflict resolution techniques and negotiation strategies to address the scenarios effectively.

Interpersonal Communication Competence

Assessment Method: Presentation and Feedback Session

Description: Participants will prepare and deliver a presentation on a topic related to assessment or accreditation within higher education. Peers and instructors will provide constructive feedback on the clarity of the communication, engagement with the audience, and effectiveness of collaboration demonstrated during the presentation.

Mastery of Assessment Design Principles

Assessment Method: Assessment Plan Development

Description: Participants will develop a comprehensive assessment plan for a specific program of course within their institution. The plan will include clearly defined learning outcomes, appropriate assessment methods aligned with those outcomes, and a data analysis strategy. Evaluation criteria will focus on the alignment of the plan with assessment design principles and its feasibility for implementation. 

Compliance with Accreditation Standards

Assessment Method: Compliance Audit Simulation

Description: Participants will simulate a compliance audit process based on accreditation standards relevant to their institution or program. They will review institutional documents, policies, and practices to assess compliance with accreditation criteria. Participants will document findings, identify areas of non-compliance, and propose strategies for remediation and continuous improvement.

Each assessment method will be accompanied by rubrics or evaluation criteria aligned with the corresponding learning outcomes to ensure consistency and fairness in assessment. Feedback provided to participants will focus on strengths, areas for improvement, and alignment with the program objectives.