Date of Award
Fall 12-1-2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Curriculum, Instruction, and Media Technology
First Advisor
Thomas H. Sawyer
Second Advisor
Susan Powers
Third Advisor
H. Scott Davis
Abstract
This study strives to identify the differences and similarities among the accrediting policies on distance education of the six regional accrediting agencies for two-year and four-year institutions. Levels of incorporation of the American Association of University Professor (AAUP) principles and the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) benchmarks regarding distance education are identified and listed as either detailed, partial, or none. The growth of distance education programs in higher education must have direction and focus and the distance education policies of the accrediting agencies provide that guidance. The method employed in the gathering of data was a qualitative document analysis. Key words were used to identify the AAUP principles and IHEP benchmarks within the distance education policies of the six regional accrediting agencies. The focus of the study was to identify the level of incorporation of the AAUP principles and IHEP benchmarks within the distance education policies of the agencies. Similarities and differences among the six regional accrediting agency policies were also discussed. The results of the document analysis indicate that two of the six regional accrediting agencies, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) have not incorporated the distance education guidelines that were agreed upon by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. None of the six regional accrediting agency policies have incorporated the AAUP principles or IHEP benchmarks in a detailed manner in all areas. The IHEP benchmarks were incorporated at least partially in all benchmark areas whereas the AAUP principle areas were not all addressed.
Recommended Citation
Hypes, Julia Ann, "Qualitative Analysis of AAUP Principles and IHEP Benchmarks And the Policies of the Six U.S. Regional Accrediting Bodies on Distance Education" (2004). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3427.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3427
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