Volunteering with ACCET

• Knowledge of ACCET standards, specific field criteria, and the accreditation process 

• Expertise in the field of review as an educator, practitioner, or manager 

• Professional, objective, and thoughtful judgment 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• No known or potential conflict of interest with the institution under review 

All volunteers are required to complete ACCET’s training program to prepare to serve on ACCET on-site evaluation teams. This training can be fulfilled by completing either: 

1. The online Volunteer Training.
2. The in-person Team Evaluator Workshop, held annually at the ACCET Conference (free for conference attendees).

• Teams review the institution using the ACCET Standards for Accreditation.
• The institution’s Analytic Self Evaluation Report (ASER) or Branch Analytic Self Evaluation Report (BASER) provides the framework for the review.
• Team selection and visit procedures are outlined in ACCET Document 7 – Guidelines for On-Site Evaluation Teams, and Document 7.1 – Affirmation of Professionalism and Ethics.

Before an evaluator is confirmed, ACCET, the institution, and the evaluator consider any real or perceived conflict of interest. Institutions may challenge or reject a team member before the visit if a concern exists, including: 

• Current or prior employment with the institution 

• Current or prior consulting work for the institution 

• A personal relationship with an institutional employee 

• A competitive relationship with the institution 

Before the visit, each team member reviews and signs Document 7.1 – Affirmation of Professionalism and Ethics. 

• Travel: The Commission Representative coordinates travel for the team, except travel to and from the evaluator’s home airport, which is reimbursable. 

• Information needed for flights: Date of birth, name as shown on official ID, preferred airports and flight options, cell phone number, and email address. 

• Schedule: Visits are typically two days. Team members usually arrive the day before the visit and leave the evening of the second day. Some visits may require an additional night. 

• ASER/BASER review: Each team member must thoroughly review the institution’s self-evaluation report before the visit. 

• Laptop: Each evaluator should bring a laptop to help draft the team report. If you do not have access to a laptop, notify the Commission Representative before the visit. 

• Pre-visit meeting: The team meets before arriving at the institution to get acquainted, review the schedule, receive orientation, and discuss questions from the ASER/BASER review. 

The team report documents the team’s consensus findings, ratings, strengths, weaknesses, and supporting evidence. 

• Use Document 9.3 – ACCET Visit Examination Team Report. 

• Make sure each standard is fully addressed. 

• If a standard is not applicable, include a brief explanation. 

• Use specific facts, figures, and documentation to support findings. 

• Write clearly and concisely, with enough detail for the institution and Commission to understand the findings. 

• Ensure that pertinent facts and strengths or weaknesses support the ratings. 

• Confirm that all information is accurate to the best of the team’s ability. 

The Commission Representative will provide the documents needed for the visit. ACCET documents are also available on the ACCET website under Documents & Forms. 

ACCET asks team members to complete a post-visit evaluation survey. Feedback helps the Commission assess and improve ACCET standards, policies, and practices.