Accreditation
Orientation to the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
Self-Study Process and Documentation*
2008 Accreditation Self-Study Report Documents:
Invitation to comment to CEPH for accreditation - click here
WHY ACCREDITATION - CLICK HERE
Who is the Council on Education for Public Health?
The Council on Education for Public Health is an independent agency, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools and programs of public health. CEPH is an autonomous organization that establishes its own accreditation policies.
What is the mission of Public Health as defined by the CEPH?
"To enhance health in human populations, through organized community effort."
What is the CEPH Board of Councilors?
The Board of Councilors is comprised of 10 members, appointed by ASPH and APHA. It serves as the decision-making body of the CEPH.
What is the process of accreditation?
Accreditation is an "explicit process for evaluating and monitoring a school's or program's efforts against its mission, goals and objectives; for assessing the school's or program's effectiveness in serving its various constituencies; and for planning to achieve its mission in the future."
What is a self-study?
The self-study is a written response to the CEPH accreditation criteria. Each criterion must be addressed in terms of the policy of the school or program regarding that particular standard, evidence that describes its performance and an assessment that supports a conclusion about how the school or program meets the particular standard. The assessment must be an analytical discussion that provides an insightful analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the school or program. There are three components to the self-study: 1) 150-200 page written analytical assessment, 2) a volume of appendices 3) reference files of supplementary documents too large to include in either 1 or 2.
How many criteria comprise the self-study process?
For SCSU, there are 22 criteria that require 99 separate items of documentation.
What is the required timeline of activities?
July 1, 2008 - Submission of preliminary version of the self-study document and appendices to CEPH offices and one copy to each of three councilors designated as preliminary reviewers.
September 1, 2008 - CEPH relays comments or reviewers, including questions, suggestions for revisions in the documentation and requests for further or different information.
September 1, 2008 - Program notifies its major constituents that an accreditation review is scheduled and should indicate that written third-party comments will be received by CEPH until 30 days before the scheduled site visit.
November 1, 2008 - Submission of final version of the self-study (paper and electronic) to CEPH offices and one copy to each of the designated councilors who will be the site visitors.
December 2-3 - Site visit for re-accreditation.
What are the possible accreditation decisions by the Council?
1. Accreditation - A school or program demonstrates minimum compliance with all applicable CEPH criteria. Interim reports may be required.
2. Extension of Term - Used for extraordinary circumstances.
3. Denial or Accreditation - A school or program in applicant status does not meet the criteria for accreditation.
4. Probationary Accreditation - An already accredited school or program is judged deficient in resources and procedures to continue to accomplish its stated mission and objectives, or fails to meet the requirements for its reaccreditation review or interim report requirements.
5. Revocation of Accreditation - A school or program does not meet the criteria for continued accreditation, or does not permit a reevaluation after proper notice by CEPH. Denial and revocation are appealable actions.
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* Sources include the following CEPH publications: Accreditation Criteria for Public Health Programs, Amended June 2005 and Accreditation Procedures for Public Health Programs Outside of Schools of Public Health.
