Experiences of Personnel in Accreditations in Higher Educational Institution: Concerns and Actions

Aims: To determine the experiences of the participants who were involved in the accreditation process

Study Design: Qualitative-phenomenology

Place and Duration of Study: Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology for five months.

Methodology: The participants were 12 program area leaders, and Internal Assessment Board in-charge. They were grouped into four and interviewed using the validated interview guide questionnaire.

Results: Themes which concern emotional issues themes were: utilizing archive, enjoying unintended outcome, negotiating time availability, and dealing with inconveniences. Moreover, emerging themes describing the problems encountered in the 10 areas of accreditation included: lack of support, difficulties in documents preparation, utilized personal resources, undefined and unclear dissemination of tasks. Finally, themes for solutions conducted were: necessity of training and workshop, provision of matrix of activity, familiarity of the different tools and program offerings, and establish monitoring team.

Conclusion: Preparations are the key to accreditations. The preparation processes should not start months before the scheduled accreditation visit rather right after the commencement of the previous visit. Qualified persons who are knowledgeable on accreditation processes should be. Higher education administration should observed due diligence.

Recommendation: College’s Quality Assurance (QA) individuals may be trained to become knowledgeable on the processes of accreditation; preparations for accreditation may be done way ahead of the scheduled visit; area leaders may manage their time in the preparation of documents to avoid discrepancies during accreditation; reorganization of area leaders may be prevented to avoid unfamiliarity of tasks; budget for accreditation processes may be provided; appropriate incentives may be given for those who work overtime; the principle of “Every day is an Accreditation Day” may be observed in order to cultivate among the staff of the college the essence of accreditation. Lastly, creation of College Accreditation Coordinating Council may be created to oversee the processes of accreditation and serve as the focal point for strategic planning.