Understanding the Statement of Affiliation Status:
The Statement of Affiliation Status (SAS) describes the accreditation relationship between the institution and ITAA. It identifies the nature of the institution and conditions of affiliation and provides a synopsis of association review and the status of the institution with ITAA (associate or certified, and sanctions, if any). It lists the institution’s legal status (public, private not-for-profit, or private for-profit) and the range of degree levels included in its accreditation (for example: associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s). Specific conditions on the accreditation relationship are also detailed; including permission (or lack thereof) for campus expansion or distance learning endeavors, and any required reports or visits to the institution.
The following terms may appear on the Statement of Affiliation Status (SAS) of an institution:
Associate: The organization has applied for accreditation, but has not yet completed the site visit and/or other requirements to determine eligibility and grant accreditation
Certified: The organization has undergone a rigorous site visit and has completed all criteria to meet eligibility requirements. A certified organization has met ITAA standards for accreditation.
Comprehensive Evaluation: The process used to determine whether an institution meets or continues to meet the Criteria for Accreditation.
Focused Visit: A site visit which examines specific aspects of an institution to determine initial or ongoing accreditation eligibility.
Monitoring Report: A report that is required when ITAA identifies signals that a situation at an institution should change and requests that the institution provide evidence of plans to address the situation.
Placed on Notice: An institution is placed on notice if it is found to be pursuing a course of action that could result in its being unable to meet one or more of the Criteria for Accreditation. Only ITAA’s President, acting on a recommendation by an evaluation team, can place an institution on notice. The institution is required to supply a written report on corrective measures, which is used by the president to determine to either remove the institution from notice or move it to probation.
Probation: A public status signifying that conditions at an accredited institution jeopardize its ability to meet the Criteria for Accreditation. Only the ITAA President, acting on a recommendation by an evaluation team, can place an institution on probation. The institution must provide clear evidence of its progress toward ameliorating those conditions at its next comprehensive evaluation. The maximum period of probation is two years.
Progress Report: A report from an institution that provides specific information, monitors the institution’s progress in coping with change or challenges, or gives evidence that institutional plans have come to fruition as expected.
Show-Cause Order: An order by ITAA President requiring an institution to show cause, within a limited period of time not to exceed one year, as to why its accredited status should not be removed. The Board explains the reasons for its decision in a show-cause order.
Stipulations: Limits placed on the development of new activities or programs, including limits on the size, extent, or location of certain institutional activities.
