The ACOCS Accrediting Commission was established with a mission to promise the high educational and ethical standards in distance education by means of standard-setting, evaluation and consultation processes. The ACOCS Accrediting Commission identifies and accredits distance education and training institutions that have attained and maintained the standards deemed necessary to operate at a basic level of quality.

The Commission establishes educational, ethical and business standards; it examines and evaluates distance education institutions in terms of these standards; and accredits those who qualify. Its accrediting program employs procedures similar to those of other recognized educational accrediting agencies. The Commission’s procedures and standards have been continuously refined and improved over the last two decades.

Distance study institutions located outside the United States are eligible to apply for accreditation. The opportunity to apply for accreditation is open to private and public distance education institutions, both at the degree and non-degree levels.

Benefits of Accreditation

For more than a decade, ACOCS-accredited institutions have been leaders in the field of distance education accreditation. There are many benefits to being accredited. Accreditation:

> provides a reliable indicator of institution quality for counselors, employers, educators, governmental officials, and the public.

> is an expression of confidence in the educational program, the policies, and the procedures of the institution by its peers—a lasting source of pride to the institution.

> is an external source of stimulation to improve services, programs, and staff through periodic self-studies and evaluations by an outside agency.

> is an assurance of high standards and educational quality through the institution’s adherence to established criteria, policies, and standards.

> brings the institution recognition through the extension of special status by several states under their legislation and regulations, as well as recognition given by federal, state, and local agencies in referring students to accredited schools.

> allows an institution and its courses to be listed in the ACOCS Directory of Accredited Institutions.

> enables an institution to participate in the Career College Voucher program through the Workforce Development/OCSEA for the State of Ohio.

> allows the promotional use of the ACOCS seal and reference to accreditation by the ACOCS Accrediting Commission.

> allows students to qualify for tuition reimbursement under various tuition assistance plans requiring enrollment with an accredited school.

> enhances—but does not guarantee—the acceptance of academic credits of graduates at other educational institutions.

> expedites acceptance of advertising by newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, and other advertising mediums.

> provides a unique professional development opportunity for the institution’s staff members to serve on accrediting examining committees visiting other institutions.

Powers and Responsibilities

The powers and responsibilities of the Commission are:

> To establish and promulgate criteria the evaluation and accreditation of distance education and independent learning organizations;

> To establish its operating budget and provide for a schedule of reasonable fees which will assure the financial stability of the Commission;

> To receive applications from institutions desiring accreditation;

> To appoint qualified evaluators and provide a comprehensive evaluation procedure;

> To review the Chair’s reports and all other pertinent material and accredit or withhold accreditation from applicant institutions. The decisions of the Commission are not subject to review or revision by the membership of the ACOCS or the Council’s Board of Trustees;

> To issue a directory of accredited organizations (ACOCS Directory of Accredited Institutions) and a Web site listing in which institutions will be identified in a manner which indicate their course offerings;

> To make available the current information covering the criteria for accreditation and the operation of the Commission known to the public.

> To re-evaluate the accredited organizations’ programs, organization, and courses of study at reasonable intervals and;

> To exercise powers that are necessary to carry out the function of a reputable, nationally recognized accrediting association.