Accreditation NECHE Style: From Prescriptive to Nuanced

11/12/24 • 32 min

Innovation in Higher Education Accreditation: How NECHE Leads Change

Gone are the days of counting library books and checking boxes. With average presidential tenure plummeting to less than five years and a wave of institutional mergers reshaping American higher education, understanding the evolution from prescriptive to nuanced accreditation has become paramount for institutional survival.

In this podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton, in discussion with Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Schall, President of the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), shares insights on how accreditation has transformed from a compliance exercise into a partnership that helps institutions navigate contemporary challenges while maintaining academic quality and institutional accountability.

Transformative Trends in Institutional Consolidation

Demographic challenges are driving unprecedented changes in higher education structure. According to Schall, New England's unfavorable demographics have accelerated institutional mergers and consolidations, with public systems leading transformative change:

12 Connecticut community colleges have consolidated into a single college with multiple campuses
Five Vermont state colleges merged to create Vermont State University.
Maine pioneered the country's first system-wide consolidated accreditation.

This seismic shift in institutional organization signals a fundamental change in how accrediting bodies must approach quality assurance and institutional oversight.

Pioneering Approaches to Accreditation Innovation

The conversation around accreditation has moved beyond traditional compliance to encompass comprehensive institutional transformation. NECHE exemplifies this evolution through:

Implementation of accelerated degree programs
Authorization of Spanish-language graduate programs within the U.S.
Expansion of international accreditation
Support for innovative educational delivery models

Meeting Modern Higher Education Challenges

NECHE's approach demonstrates how accreditors can maintain rigorous standards while supporting institutional innovation:

Trust-based relationships with member institutions
Regular presidential appearances before the commission
Proactive communication about institutional challenges
Flexible standards that encourage innovation while ensuring quality

Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

Leadership stability and board-president alignment are critical for institutional success. With presidential tenure averaging less than five years, institutions struggle to implement meaningful change. Strong alignment between boards and presidents is essential for effective governance and institutional advancement.
Traditional educational models are becoming outdated, with more innovation happening internationally than domestically. Institutions that proactively develop new models of education delivery are more likely to succeed in the next 25 years. Higher education leaders should look beyond conventional approaches to prepare for future disruption.
The independence of higher education from government control is increasingly at risk. Political intervention in curriculum, governance, and accreditation threatens the fundamental strength of the American higher education system. Institutions must work to maintain their autonomy while demonstrating accountability and quality.

Navigating accreditation challenges, merger discussions, or innovative program implementation can feel overwhelming. Your institution's mission and values matter. The Change Leader partners with you to tackle these complex challenges head-on, helping you stay true to who you are while meeting accreditation standards. We get it - you're not just another merger statistic. Your institution's unique identity and future matter.

These are just some of the key insights and opportunities you will hear in this podcast—listen to the full episode for more.

Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/accreditation-neche-style-from-prescriptive-to-nuanced/

#HigherEducation #HigherEducationAccreditation #HigherEdChallenges

About Our Podcast Guest

Dr. Lawrence Schall joined the Commission staff as President in 2020. Previously, he served as President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, for 15 years. During his tenure, Dr. Schall led the transformation of Oglethorpe from an at-risk institution to a university boasting a doubled class size and rigorous spending safeguards, raised over one hundred million dollars, and secured a solid financial outlook for the institution. Schall currently serves on the Board of ...

Innovation in Higher Education Accreditation: How NECHE Leads Change

Transformative Trends in Institutional Consolidation

12 Connecticut community colleges have consolidated into a single college with multiple campuses
Five Vermont state colleges merged to create Vermont State University.
Maine pioneered the country's first system-wide consolidated accreditation.

This seismic shift in institutional organization signals a fundamental change in how accrediting bodies must approach quality assurance and institutional oversight.

Pioneering Approaches to Accreditation Innovation

The conversation around accreditation has moved beyond traditional compliance to encompass comprehensive institutional transformation. NECHE exemplifies this evolution through:

Implementation of accelerated degree programs
Authorization of Spanish-language graduate programs within the U.S.
Expansion of international accreditation
Support for innovative educational delivery models

Meeting Modern Higher Education Challenges

NECHE's approach demonstrates how accreditors can maintain rigorous standards while supporting institutional innovation:

Trust-based relationships with member institutions
Regular presidential appearances before the commission
Proactive communication about institutional challenges
Flexible standards that encourage innovation while ensuring quality

Three Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

Leadership stability and board-president alignment are critical for institutional success. With presidential tenure averaging less than five years, institutions struggle to implement meaningful change. Strong alignment between boards and presidents is essential for effective governance and institutional advancement.
Traditional educational models are becoming outdated, with more innovation happening internationally than domestically. Institutions that proactively develop new models of education delivery are more likely to succeed in the next 25 years. Higher education leaders should look beyond conventional approaches to prepare for future disruption.
The independence of higher education from government control is increasingly at risk. Political intervention in curriculum, governance, and accreditation threatens the fundamental strength of the American higher education system. Institutions must work to maintain their autonomy while demonstrating accountability and quality.

These are just some of the key insights and opportunities you will hear in this podcast—listen to the full episode for more.

Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/accreditation-neche-style-from-prescriptive-to-nuanced/

#HigherEducation #HigherEducationAccreditation #HigherEdChallenges

About Our Podcast Guest

Previous Episode

Improving Public University Systems at Scale

In this podcast, host Dr. Drumm McNaughton welcomes guest James R. Johnsen, the former President of the University of Alaska System, who is now a Vice President of Executive Search for Greenwood Asher & Associates. Johnsen discusses his new book, "Public University Systems: Leveraging Scale in Higher Education," which examines the importance of and challenges facing public university systems across the U.S.

What higher ed leaders will gain from this podcast: Understanding Public University Systems in Higher Education Governance

A comprehensive overview of public university systems, their prevalence, importance, and the challenges they face. The different types of systems – homogenous and heterogeneous – and how they are structured, governed, and operated. This knowledge will be valuable for leaders in understanding the landscape of higher education in the context of their institutions.

Leveraging Scale for Efficiency and Impact

Public university systems have a unique ability to leverage their scale to achieve political, social, and economic goals. Benefits include consolidation and collaboration in areas such as procurement, research administration, payroll, legal counsel, and accreditation. Leaders can identify and implement strategies to maximize efficiency and impact through system-level initiatives.

Navigating Political Dynamics in University Systems

Political dynamics shape public university systems significantly, with roles for governors, legislators, and boards in forming higher education policy and funding. Understanding this landscape and developing strategies for effective advocacy is essential.

Change Management and Leading Transformational Change

Higher education systems face challenges in implementing change due to bureaucratic structures. Effective change management requires a clear vision, strong leadership, and a culture that embraces experimentation and continuous improvement.

Prioritizing Student Success and Addressing State Needs

Aligning higher education with student and state needs is crucial. Leaders can prioritize student success by streamlining processes, improving transferability, and focusing on outcomes that benefit both individuals and society, ensuring institutions contribute to the state's economic and social well-being.

How Public University Systems Work (Or Don’t)

75% of American college students attend institutions within higher education systems. These systems aim to govern and coordinate public higher education within a state, yet effectiveness varies depending on structure, governance, and alignment with state goals.

Structure and Governance Models in Public University Systems

Public university systems vary in structure, affecting their governance and impact. Systems can be homogenous, like the University of California system, where institutions share similar missions, or heterogeneous, like the State University of New York system, which encompasses diverse missions. Governance models differ, with some states having a single board and others multiple boards with distinct responsibilities.

For example, Florida has a Board of Governors for the entire system, while each university has its own Board of Trustees.

Alignment and Collaboration for Higher Education Goals

A key factor in system effectiveness is the alignment between state government, the system, and individual institutions. The governor’s vision should guide the system board, which then aligns institutional goals. Without clear alignment, systems risk fragmentation, duplicated efforts, and resource competition.

Recommendations for Improving Public University Systems Clarify Higher Purpose and Goals for System-Wide Alignment

Systems should articulate a higher purpose and align with the state's vision for higher education. This alignment enhances decision-making, resource allocation, and collaboration.

Strengthen Leadership and Governance Skills

System leaders need skills to navigate political landscapes, foster collaboration among institutions, and drive strategic change. Professional development focused on system leadership is essential.

Streamline Processes and Foster Collaboration in Higher Education Systems

Systems should streamline processes, reduce redundancy, and foster collaboration. Standardizing data collection, developing common course numbering for transferability, and creating shared service centers are effective strategies.

Promote Data-Driven Decision Making in University Systems

Effective governance relies on consistent, reliable data. Systems should invest in data infrastructure and analytics to support evidence-based decisions on resource allocation, program development, and student success.

Cultivate a Cultur...

Next Episode

What Americans Really Think of Higher Ed: Insights from New America's Varying Degrees 2024

Despite media narratives of declining confidence in higher education, new survey data reveals 80% of Americans view college costs - not value - as the primary barrier to enrollment. While only 36% think higher education is "fine how it is," bipartisan support remains strong, with a majority of both Democrats and Republicans favoring increased government funding for affordability.

On this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Kevin Carey, Vice President for Education and Work at New America, and Sophie Nguyen, Senior Policy Manager with the Higher Education team at New America, a nonpartisan think tank focused on social and technological issues, including education. The discussion centers around New America’s annual “Varying Degrees” survey, which examines how Americans perceive higher education.

Carey and Nguyen argue that, contrary to the media narrative, Americans have not actually lost faith in the value of higher education. They attribute the decline in enrollment not to a loss of confidence but rather to demographic shifts, the economic recession, and the unique nature of the pandemic.

They also highlight the partisan divide in perspectives on higher education, noting that Republicans have become more skeptical of higher education than Democrats, likely due to a changing composition of the two parties' constituencies in terms of educational attainment.

The conversation concludes with practical advice for college leaders on navigating these challenges, emphasizing the need for clear communication about the value of higher education, acknowledging student and parental concerns about affordability and career pathways, and continuing to advocate for higher education in the face of political and social shifts.

What Higher Ed Leaders Will Gain From This Podcast

Here are some insights, facts, and trends you’ll hear discussed:

Americans do not hate higher education. While confidence in higher education as an institution is declining, this is consistent with declining American confidence in all institutions. Americans still largely believe in higher education.
Americans’ opinions on higher education have remained relatively stable over the years, even amidst significant events like the pandemic. This finding counters media narratives suggesting a dramatic shift in public opinion.
A majority of Republicans believe that the government should invest more money to make higher education more affordable. This suggests that there is a bipartisan consensus on investing in higher education.
There has been a partisan realignment around higher education, with Democrats increasingly becoming the party of education. This is likely due to an increase in the number of people with college degrees among Democrat voters.
The decline in college enrollment is mainly driven by demographic decline, not by a decline in demand for higher education. The number of college-age people in America peaked in the late 2010s and has been declining since.
The pandemic recession did not lead to an increase in college enrollment as previous recessions have. This is because the pandemic recession was brief, and the economy quickly rebounded.
The labor market has been very strong for non-college graduates in the middle and lower parts of the wage scale. This may be a factor in the decline in college enrollment.
Many parents who say they do not want their children to get a four-year degree actually do want their children to go to college for job training. They may not realize that most job-related training in the United States happens at colleges.
Colleges need to communicate the value of a liberal arts education to students and parents. Emphasize that a liberal arts education is not just about job training but also about developing critical thinking skills, exposure to diverse perspectives, and personal growth.
Colleges need to make a clear connection between a liberal arts education and career pathways. Highlight how the skills and knowledge gained in a liberal arts education can be applied to various careers.
Cost remains a significant concern for a vast majority of Americans, serving as a major barrier to college enrollment. The survey demonstrates bipartisan agreement on this issue.
Colleges need to address the cost of higher education: This includes providing more financial aid, lowering tuition, and exploring alternative models of education, such as three-year degrees.