About USHEAC
USHEAC is a nonprofit, public benefit NGO in the State of California, United States of America.
It serves as a cohesive entity that brings together higher education accreditation agencies, universities, and colleges striving for recognition from both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
USHEAC is a subsidiary of California University FCE-Amorsolo Foundation Incorporated. Its acceptance by the California Department of Education, California State Board of Education, U.S. Department of Education and numerous international universities is based on its evaluation and assessment of U.S. unaccredited university curriculum, academic programs, and faculty credentials. The evaluation is an integral part of the university’s documentation process for its application for regional accreditation, which precedes submission to any of the seven U.S Regional Accreditation Commissions.
Achieving accreditation from USHEAC signifies to the public that the recipient has met the rigorous quality assurance standards set by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
It is crucial to highlight that graduates of institutions accredited by the United States Higher Education Accreditation Commission (USHEAC) will be granted U.S. equivalent degrees by California University FCE following a thorough course evaluation and assessment. These degrees are comparable in level and purpose to those awarded by regionally accredited universities in the United States of America.
The equivalency degrees offered by California University FCE have garnered acceptance from numerous Ministries of Education globally, recognized as on par with degrees from accredited universities in their respective countries. In a memo dated March 4, 2017, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science & Technology stated that the equivalency degrees from California FCE “are recognized and equivalent to degrees awarded by any Nigerian University in a similar field of study and have the strength, capacity and worth necessary to practice a profession, teach, train and conduct researches in any tertiary educational institution.”
Our Mission Statement
The United States Higher Education Accreditation Commission, our mission is to advance the quality and effectiveness of higher education institutions and programs through rigorous accreditation processes and continuous improvement. We are committed to fostering excellence in education, promoting student success, and ensuring that the educational landscape meets the highest standards of integrity and innovation.
Our primary objectives are as follows:
- Quality Assurance: We strive to ensure that institutions and programs of higher education meet or exceed established standards of academic quality, integrity, and effectiveness. Through our accreditation processes, we aim to identify areas of improvement and provide guidance for enhancement.
- Student-Centered Focus: Central to our mission is the welfare and success of students. We work diligently to promote educational environments that are conducive to learning, personal growth, and student achievement. We believe that every learner deserves access to high-quality education.
- Continuous Improvement: We are dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within higher education institutions. Our accreditation processes encourage institutions to assess their performance, set goals for enhancement, and implement changes that benefit students, faculty, and the broader educational community.
- Transparency and Accountability: We emphasize transparency in our accreditation processes, ensuring that stakeholders have access to clear and comprehensive information about institutions and their programs. We hold ourselves accountable to the public, institutions, and the educational community by adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
- Innovation and Adaptation: We recognize the evolving nature of higher education and strive to adapt our accreditation standards and processes to reflect emerging trends and best practices. We encourage institutions to embrace innovation while upholding the core principles of quality and excellence.
- Global Engagement: In an increasingly interconnected world, we promote international collaboration and engagement in higher education. We facilitate the recognition of qualifications and promote global mobility for students and professionals.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education. Our accreditation processes encourage institutions to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity, promote social justice, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
By fulfilling our mission, United States Higher Education Accreditation Commission aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education, where institutions continually strive for excellence, students thrive academically and personally, and society benefits from an educated and empowered citizenry.
This mission statement reflects our commitment to the betterment of higher education, emphasizing quality, integrity, and the well-being of students and society at large.
Our Vision Statement
We envision a future where accreditation in higher education is a dynamic force for quality, integrity, and continuous improvement. We aim to ensure that educational institutions and programs worldwide meet the highest standards, providing students with quality assurance and professionals with confidence in their education.
USHEAC ACCREDITATION PROCESS
The accreditation process is a multi-step journey guided by prestigious accrediting agencies officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Commencing with accreditation from the United States Higher Education Accreditation Commission (USHEAC), institutions set their sights on attaining regional or national recognition. Historically, a significant majority of higher education establishments that have received USHEAC accreditation have subsequently achieved regional or national accreditation. Below is a broad outline of the accreditation procedure:
- Self-Initiated Accreditation Assessment: The institution pursuing accreditation by USHEAC commences the process with an extensive self-evaluation. This entails a comprehensive scrutiny of the institution’s programs, faculty, resources, and overall operations. The institution collects supporting evidence and data to showcase adherence to accreditation standards. A copy of this self-initiated accreditation assessment is submitted to USHEAC.
- Choosing an Accrediting Body: Prior to pursuing regional or national accreditation, unaccredited institutions are strongly encouraged to consider obtaining USHEAC accreditation first. This step can significantly enhance their prospects of attaining a more advanced level of accreditation.
- Submission of Application: The institution formally forwards its application to USHEAC together with its Self-Initiated Accreditation Assessment, signifying its intention to pursue accreditation. This application encompasses details regarding the institution’s historical background, programs, financial standing, and governance framework.
- Peer Review: USHEAC designates a panel of peer evaluators, One evaluator from USHEAC, one faculty member, and one administrator from another accredited institution in the same city or county where the applicant is located to carry out an in-person assessment. This panel evaluates whether the institution aligns with the USHEAC’s established accreditation standards and criteria.
- Campus Visit: The peer review team conducts an on-site visit to collect supplementary data, engage in discussions with faculty, staff, and students, and evaluate the institution’s infrastructure and assets.
- Evaluation and Report: Following the on-site visit, the peer review team creates a comprehensive report summarizing their observations and offering recommendations. Subsequently, this report is forwarded to the USHEAC for final assessment.
- Decision: USHEAC assesses the report from the peer review team and reaches a verdict concerning accreditation. This determination encompasses a range of outcomes, such as granting full accreditation, granting accreditation with specific conditions, or denying accreditation.
- Follow-Up and Improvement: If an institution is accredited with conditions, it must address these conditions and demonstrate improvement within a specified timeframe. Ongoing monitoring may be required.
- Notification: The institution is officially informed of the accrediting agency’s decision. If accredited, the institution is granted a five-year accreditation status for which the accreditation is valid.
- Renewal and Continuous Improvement: Accreditation is not a one-time event. Institutions must go through a regular accreditation review process, typically every five (5) years, to maintain their accredited status. During this time, the institution continues to assess its programs and make improvements as needed.
It’s crucial to emphasize that the aforementioned process exclusively pertains to USHEAC. The precise procedures and prerequisites may differ, contingent on the accrediting agency and the nature of the institution, such as regional universities or specialized colleges. Accreditation s of significant importance for institutions since it guarantees their compliance with established quality standards and facilitates their eligibility for federal funding, grants, and student financial aid programs. Furthermore, it instills trust in the quality of education provided by accredited institutions among both students and the general public.
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