Preparing for Accreditation: Building Systems for Readiness and Shared Ownership

Joi Patterson and Amy Vujaklija discuss the importance of shared institutional responsibility in accreditation processes, emphasizing that accreditation should not be treated as a last-minute task. They highlight common mistakes, such as isolating individuals and rushing documents, which lead to inefficiencies and stress. They advocate for ongoing, collaborative preparation, including timelines, reflection, and data analysis. They stress the need for systems that ensure continuity, even with leadership changes, and the importance of faculty and staff buy-in. They also discuss the value of transparency, continuous improvement, and the use of tools like Watermark to maintain audit readiness and support student success.