Full Membership Application
The process for applying for ASPA Full Membership
Applying for Full ASPA Member Status
To apply for membership, an accrediting organization must submit an application as outlined below.
ASPA is a membership organization. Membership does not equate to recognition, nor does it certify the status, performance or integrity of the accreditation organization. Organizations seeking membership do so on a voluntary basis.
ASPA is under no obligation to accept any organization as a member.
ASPA Membership Application
Full Membership Eligibility Criteria
For Full ASPA Membership, the accrediting organization must:
- Demonstrate that it meets ASPA’s definition of Specialized or Professional and the supporting definitions (see list of definitions);
- endorse the ASPA-Member Code of Good Practice; and
- Submit the application and other required materials with the application fee of $500.00.
If the membership criteria are met and the applicant is accepted into membership by the ASPA Board of Directors, the term of membership will continue as long as the organization is a member in good standing.
Dues
Membership is contingent upon payment of current dues.
Dues for July, 1 2015 – June 30, 2016 are $4665 + (7.90 x number of accredited programs), capped at $8615. Dues will be pro-rated based on the date of approval for membership.
Process
Applications must address each of the following criteria. The application is reviewed by the Membership Committee, which may seek clarifying information from the applicant prior to formalizing a recommendation to the ASPA Board of Directors for review and action.
Provide evidence of adherence to good accreditation practice by submitting:
- A brief narrative statement (limited to maximum of 14 pages) that describes how the organization:
- conducts its accreditation process
- establishes and revises accreditation standards
- makes decisions on accreditation actions
- demonstrates respect for institutional autonomy and academic freedom
- selects and trains reviewers
- promotes assessment and continuous quality improvement of accredited programs
- provides public information about accredited programs (see rubric for guidance on this section)
- Organizational data about the decision-making body, including: A) the names and affiliations of council/commission members and B) the frequency of meetings.
- A copy of the accreditation standards or evaluation criteria.
- A listing of agencies that recognize or require its accreditation activity (i.e. Certification Boards, Licensing Boards etc.)
Applicants will pay dues that are pro-rated based on the date of approval for membership.
Timeline
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Reinstatement of Lapsed Membership
The organization is eligible for this reinstatement option once.
Accreditor Members
See a full list of accreditors who are members of ASPA and the professions and fields of study for which they set quality standards.
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