IFEI Accreditation Standards
IFEI has developed standards that are modeled on the Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, Baldrige National Quality Program. These standards are on the leading edge of validated management practices that have been proven to work in high performing higher education institutions:
Accreditation is a quality management tool that helps you identify what it takes to be competitive and achieve success in your environment, ensuring that everyone understands and can contribute to your long-term success. When you accredit certificates, you will identify strengths and gaps within and among the standards. As the synergism continues, you will begin to define the best ways to build on your strengths and close gaps.
01
Leadership
The business unit must have systematic leadership processes that promote performance excellence and continuous improvement. Values and expectations must be integrated into the business unit's leadership process to enable the business unit to address its societal responsibilities and community involvement.
02
Strategic Planning
The business unit must have a systematic process for developing a strategic plan that leads to continuous improvement. The strategic plan must include implementation goals and progress measures.
03
Student and Stakeholder Focus
The business unit must have a systematic process to determine the requirements and expectations of current and future students and other key stakeholders. The process must measure stakeholder participation and satisfaction and use the results for continuous improvement.
04
Student Learning Assessment
The business unit must have a systematic student learning outcomes assessment process and plan that leads to continuous improvement. Student learning outcomes must be developed and implemented for each accredited program, and the results must be communicated to stakeholders.
05
Faculty Focus
The business unit must have a systematic process to ensure current and qualified faculty members by:
- Fostering teaching excellence
- Aligning faculty credentials and skillsets with current and future program objectives
- Evaluating faculty members based on defined criteria and objectives
- Ensuring faculty development including scholarly and professional activity
06
Curriculum
The business unit must have a systematic process to ensure continuous improvement of curriculum and program delivery. The curriculum must be comprised of appropriate business and professional content to prepare graduates for success.
07
Business Unit Performance
The business unit must have a systematic process to identify and track key student performance measures for the purpose of continuous improvement. The business unit must ensure adequate resources and services to support its programs.
“IFEI accreditation legitimizes our program and department. We get recognition from our administrators and others around the college. In fact, we have faculty members outside of the department asking about our assessment methods for their own programs.”
