Questions
- Why are programs now being asked to provide clarifying information on where and how they publish mission/goals/student learning outcomes and program effectiveness data?
- Where and how should a program make the information available?
- How often should the information be updated on the program’s website?
- How will the website postings of the required information be verified?
Answers
Why are programs now being asked to provide clarifying information on where and how they publish mission/goals/student learning outcomes and program effectiveness data?
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which recognizes the JRCERT, has reiterated that educational programs must demonstrate greater transparency and accountability to assist prospective students and their parents with making informed decisions on the selection of educational programs. The guidelines issued by CHEA contain specific directions on how the information must be posted to assure that it is transparent and readily available to the general public.
Where and how should a program make the information available?
The program’s mission statement/goals/student learning outcomes and program effectiveness data (five-year average credentialing examination pass rate, five-year average job placement rate, and annual program completion rate) must be published on the main page of the program’s website. The program effectiveness data should be presented utilizing the template provided by the JRCERT, available under the Program Forms page of the Program Director & Faculty tab, or by clicking here.
Access to the required information must be clearly apparent on the “home” page of the program’s website, identifying steps to follow or including a hot link to the information, i.e., the information cannot be hidden or buried in multiple layers of webpages. All information published on the program’s website must be consistent with information contained in other program publications such as student handbooks, assessment plans, etc.
Additionally, programs must publish a hyperlink to the JRCERT website, www.jrcert.org, to allow students and the public access to program effectiveness data.
How often should the information be updated on the program’s website?
The mission statement/goals/student learning outcomes should be updated as appropriate whenever any of this information changes. Program effectiveness data must, at minimum, be updated annually in conjunction with submission of the Program Annual Report.
How will the website postings of the required information be verified?
The JRCERT will review each program’s website to assure that the posted information is readily accessible by the public and that program effectiveness data is consistent with the program’s most recent annual report. Gross discrepancies between program effectiveness data reported on the annual report and data published on the program’s website will require that the program correct any variances and submit a progress report documenting compliance with Standard One – Objective 1.6.