Membership
Definition of Accreditation
Webster Dictionary defines ‘accreditation’ as “to certify or meet certain standards”. The Distance Learning Council offers accreditation to those institutions which meet, exceed and maintain specific criteria, as defined in “Accreditation Standards”.
Accreditation Policy Statement
In order to promote the value of online and Distance education, and to ensure it’s growing acceptance within the educational community, The Distance Learning Council members agree:
- That quality educational programs offered by online and Distance educational institutions are essential for the continued growth and acceptance of online and Distance Learning.
- That the accreditation process and the continual institutional self-examination and continuous improvement that goes along with it is an important factor in the growth and acceptance of online and Distance education
- That accreditation is a voluntary action on the part of member institutions which desire to contribute to the growth and acceptance of online and distance education
- That the result of these efforts will be an increasing acceptance of the value of online and Distance degrees within the educational community worldwide.
Accreditation Standards
In determining the acceptability of an applicant for membership within The Distance Learning Council, the following criteria will be examined:
Accreditation Process
Applicant Status
Applicant status indicates that an institution has filed a completed application for acceptance with The Distance Learning Council. The granting of applicant status does not ensure that accreditation with The Distance Learning Council will be eventually granted.
Application Review Process
Applications for accreditation will be reviewed by The Distance Learning Council. In the event that items on the application require further investigation, The Distance Learning Council will provide written questions to applicant institutions. Within 30 days of receipt of answers to these questions, if any, The Distance Learning Council will either accept or reject application for accreditation.
Full Accreditation Status
Full accreditation within The Distance Learning Council is for an indefinite period. Membership is renewable on an annual basis. Each year members are asked to submit a form identifying any changes in curriculum, degree(s) offered and grading standards. There is an annual renewal fee.