EPAS Handbook

1.1.1. Accredited Status Language

Statement for Accredited Programs to Post on their Web Sites:

[Program] is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’ Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

Accredited programs may contact Elizabeth Simon for permission to publish the "Accredited by CSWE" logo on their web pages.

1.1.2. Conditionally Accreditation Status Language

Statement for Conditionally Accredited Programs to Post on their Web Sites:

[Program] is conditionally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Conditional Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’ Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has not demonstrated compliance with one or more of CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.  Programs in Conditional Accredited Status must demonstrate compliance with all standards within one year of being placed on Conditional Accredited Status.  Students who graduate from programs with Conditional Accredited Status will still be recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program. 

Conditional Accreditation Status by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

1.1.3. Candidacy Status Language

Statement for Programs in Candidacy to Post on their Web Sites:

[Program] has achieved Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has made progress toward meeting criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  A program that has attained Candidacy has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, but has not yet demonstrated full compliance. 

Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation.  Candidacy is typically a three-year process and attaining Candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain Initial Accreditation.  Candidacy applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

1.1.4. Pre-Candidacy Status Language

Statement for Programs in Pre-Candidacy to Post on their Web Sites:

[Program] is currently in Pre-Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Pre-Candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has submitted an application to be reviewed for Candidacy.  A program that has attained Pre-Candidacy has not yet been reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation or been verified to be in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.  The Council on Social Work Education does not publicly disclose whether programs have currently attained Pre-Candidacy Status until they are granted Candidacy.

Students who enter the program while it is still in Pre-Candidacy will not be recognized as attending a program in Candidacy unless the program attains Candidacy in the academic year in which those students enter.  The Candidacy Process is typically a three-year process and there is no guarantee that a program in Pre-Candidacy will eventually attain Candidacy or Initial Accreditation.  Students who enter programs that attain Candidacy in or before the academic year in which they begin their program of study will be retroactively recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited program once the program attains Initial Accreditation.  Candidacy by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

1.1.5. Commission on Accreditation

In social work education, the Commission on Accreditation (COA) of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in the United States and its territories. Since its inception in July 1952, CSWE has accredited master’s degree programs in social work. In 1974 it began accrediting baccalaureate programs. CSWE does not accredit doctoral programs, associate arts degree programs, or minors in social work.

As explained in its Bylaws (Article IV, Section 7, 1, a) (link works) CSWE delegates autonomous authority and responsibility for all accreditation activities to the COA. This authority extends to judgments regarding the accredited status of educational programs and includes the formulation and implementation of accreditation standards and procedures. The decisions of the COA are based on the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), written by the Commission on Educational Policy (link stays the same) and the COA.

The COA is composed of a minimum of 25 members, including a chair, appointed by the chair of CSWE Board of Directors. In making appointments, the chair considers previous site team experience, years and nature of experience in faculty and administrative positions at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, as well as the CSWE affirmative action guidelines. Members are appointed for 3-year terms and may be reappointed to second 3-year terms. Most of the commissioners hold full-time faculty or administrative appointments in accredited programs. The remaining commissioners are public members.

The COA reviews all programs in a fair and impartial manner. Material submitted to the COA relative to a program’s review is available to any commissioner, unless a conflict of interest exists. Members of the COA, site visitors, and former commissioners representing the COA treat accreditation materials as confidential in their discussions and decision-making.

Commissioners may not go on site visits or consult with social work programs on matters of accreditation during their terms on the COA. They make commissioner visits to programs that have applied for or are in candidacy.

The COA chair or the chair’s designee is solely responsible for communicating the COA’s decisions in writing to the program and institutional administrators. The COA may be required to communicate its decision to the regional accrediting agency that accredits the program’s institution. Following the COA’s decisions, the program’s accreditation status is published in CSWE Focus and posted on the CSWE Web site.

1.1.6. EPAS

CSWE uses the 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to accredit baccalaureate- and master’s-level social work programs. The EPAS supports academic excellence by establishing thresholds for professional competence. It permits programs to use traditional and emerging models of curriculum design by balancing requirements that promote comparability across programs with a level of flexibility that encourages programs to differentiate.

The educational policy and the accreditation standards are conceptually linked. The educational policy section describes each curriculum feature, and the derivative accreditation standards specify the requirements used to develop and maintain an accredited baccalaureate or master’s social work program.

EPAS describes four features of an integrated curriculum design: (1) program mission and goals; (2) explicit curriculum; (3) implicit curriculum; and (4) assessment.

1. The program’s mission and goals address the profession’s purpose, are grounded in the profession’s values, and are informed by its context.


2. The explicit curriculum is the program’s formal educational structure and includes its courses and curriculum design. Core competencies (which define generalist practice or are applied in advanced practice) and field education (as the signature pedagogy of social work education) are the key elements of the explicit curriculum. Competency-based education is an outcome performance approach to curriculum design. Competencies are measurable practice behaviors that are comprised of knowledge, values, and skills. The goal of the outcome approach is to demonstrate the integration and application of the competencies in practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
   
   The explicit curriculum at the baccalaureate level is designed to prepare graduates for generalist practice through mastery of the core competencies. The master's curriculum prepares graduates for advanced practice through mastery of the core competencies augmented by knowledge and practice behaviors specific to a concentration. The program’s mission and goals, as these reflect professional purpose and values and the program’s context, are consistent with the program’s competencies. The program’s competencies are operationalized in the explicit curriculum and in program assessment through measurable practice behaviors.


3. The implicit curriculum refers to the educational environment in which the explicit curriculum is presented. It is composed of the following elements: the program’s commitment to diversity; admissions policies and procedures; advisement, retention, and termination policies; student participation in governance; faculty; administrative structure; and resources. The implicit curriculum is as important as the explicit curriculum in shaping the professional character and competence of the program’s graduates. Heightened awareness of the importance of the implicit curriculum promotes an educational culture that is congruent with the values of the profession.


4. Assessment is an integral component of competency-based education. To evaluate the extent to which the competencies have been met, a system of assessment is central to this model of education. Data from assessment continuously inform and promote change in the explicit and implicit curriculum to enhance attainment of program competencies. (EP 4.0)

1.1.7. Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements

1.1.8. Candidacy Benchmarks

The benchmark model is a systematic, incremental approach to developing a social work program and writing a comprehensive self-study. There are three benchmarks; the first portion of each benchmark consists of specific accreditation standards that must be approved by the Commission on Accreditation (COA) to proceed to the next benchmark, and the second portion consists of standards that must be addressed in draft form. Please see the Candidacy Process: 3 Year Benchmark Grid for more information. 

Program development is guided by three visits from the COA commissioners. During the commissioner visits 1 and 2, the commissioner makes a recommendation as to whether to approve the program’s standards in the first portion of the benchmark and provides consultation on the standards in the second portion. During commissioner visit 3, the commissioner makes recommendations as to whether the program is in compliance with the EPAS.

Programs progress through several stages of program development: applying for candidacy status, completing candidacy, and receiving initial accreditation status. There are several products, timetables, forms, and accreditation fees associated with each stage, which can be found on the CSWE website.

More information on the candidacy process can be found in section 3 of the EPAS Handbook.

1.1.9. Reaffirmation of Accreditation

1.1.10. COA Decision Making

1.1.11. The COA Executive Committee

The COA has one standing committee, the Executive Committee, which serves in place of the COA between commission meetings. The committee is composed of the COA chair, the work group chairs, and the director (ex officio) of the Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA). At COA meetings the Committee’s work includes the following.

•Monitor and make recommendations for the revision of accreditation standards.
•Review updates from the director of OSWA.
•Evaluate the processes and procedures of COA meetings.
•Monitor the COA’s quality assurance.
•Develop and consider policies for the COA and direct office staff in maintaining a record of instituted policies (including a COA Policy Manual).
•Oversee staff training of site visitors and programs seeking candidacy, initial accreditation, or reaffirmation.
•Oversee and review staff recommendations on waiver and postponement applications.
 

1.1.12. Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA)

The staff of OSWA consists of accreditation specialists, a site visit coordinator, an office manager, and a director. Accreditation specialists provide technical assistance to programs in preparing their eligibility application, benchmark documents, and self-studies. They staff the COA work groups and participate in site team, candidacy, and reaffirmation trainings. The site visit coordinator works with the site visitor and the program to arrange each site visit. The office manager supports OSWA staff in preparation for meetings and trainings, prepares minutes from COA meetings, prepares the COA meeting agenda book, and manages the daily operations of OSWA. The director staffs the executive committee, supervises the accreditation staff, coordinates trainings, and consults with individuals who wish to file complaints.

1.1.13. Whom to Contact About What

Department of Social Work Accreditation (DOSA)	Contact Regarding:
Mary D. Kurfess Social Work Director, DOSA Telephone: 703.519.2078 E-mail: mkurfess@cswe.org	•Starting a new program •Reconsideration of a COA decision •Consideration of a waiver •Filing a complaint
Monica Wylie Accreditation Office Manager and Assistant to the Director, DOSA Telephone: 703.519.2073 E-mail: mwylie@cswe.org	•Assistance in contacting Director or staff •Available accreditation training •Accreditation workshop registration •Accreditation fees
Sheila Bell, Site Visit Coordinator Telephone: 703.519.2042 E-mail: sbell@cswe.org	•Commissioner / Candidacy Site Visits •Site Visit Procedures •Site Visitor Training
Accreditation Specialists Each program is assigned one of the following specialists: Katie Benson, MSW Telephone:  571.527.3483 E-mail: kbenson@cswe.org Marilyn Gentner, LMSW, LICSW Telephone: 703.519.2040     E-mail:  mgentner@CSWE.org   Katie Gibson-Ledl, LLMSW-Macro Telephone: 703.519.2063       E-mail:  kgibson@CSWE.org   Anna R. Holster, MSW, MPhil Telephone:  703.519.2044 E-mail:  aholster@CSWE.org Spencer Middleton, MSW Telephone:  703.519.2052 E-mail:  smiddleton@CSWE.org	Guidance and interpretation of 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) Reaffirmation, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation Planning Timetables Process Guidelines for writing self-study document The accreditation cycle Guidance regarding the policies and the role of the Commission on Accreditation (COA) Understanding COA decisions Program Changes Addition of new program options Updates to area(s) of specialized practice Substantive (as defined in section 1.2.4 of the 2015 EPAS Handbook) Personnel Changes Program Director Field Director Dean Chair Institution’s President or Chancellor An agenda adjustment or postponement Requesting updates or revisions to program directory listing All materials should be submitted to the program’s assigned specialist, unless otherwise specified.

1.1.14. Mailing Instructions for Programs

It is important that the materials you mail to OSWA are delivered to the correct staff member.

Please find the item you are mailing on the list below and make sure the envelope or package is addressed to the attention of the corresponding staff member. Our address is:

Attention of: ____________
Council on Social Work Education
1701 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314

Programs Send the Following Materials (postal mail or e-mail):	To the Attention of:
Candidacy Review Benchmark I Program Response to Benchmark I Review Brief (Commissioner Visit Report) Benchmark II Reaffirmation Review Reaffirmation Eligibility Application Self-Study Program Response to the Site Visit Report Postponement or Agenda Adjustment Request Progress Report Progress Report and Any Supporting Materials Restoration Report Restoration Report Notification of Program Changes Modified Site Visit Clarifying Materials Reconsideration Hearing Clarifying Materials	Your Program's Accreditation Specialist
Site Visit Planning Form	Site Visit Coordinator
Other correspondence Complaint Correspondence Program Waiver Request Letter Requesting a Reconsideration Hearing Letter of Institutional Intent and Candidacy Eligibility Application Alternative Reaffirmation Proposal	OSWA Director

 

Programs Send the Following Fees (With a Copy of the Invoice):	To the Attention of:
Accreditation Fees Candidacy Eligibility Fee Commissioner Visit I Fee Commissioner Visit II Fee Initial Accreditation Eligibility Fee Initial Accreditation Fee Reaffirmation Eligibility Fee Reaffirmation Fee	Finance and Administration

1.2.1. Complaints Regarding Program Compliance

1.2.2. Postponement of Reaffirmation Review

1.2.3. Agenda Adjustments

The director of OSWA may approve an adjustment of a program's review date for one meeting only.

1.2.4. Program Changes

View program change policies and procedures.

1.2.5. Waivers to Accreditation Standards

1.2.6. Appeals of COA Decisions

1.2.7. Information Sharing and Release of COA Decision Letter

The COA is required by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to release the COA decisions and programs’ accreditation status to the public. The COA will use the text of its decision letters for research and evaluation purposes in aggregate. The COA’s policy is not to release the full text of letters. If an institution or program releases parts of the site visit report or the COA letter that distorts the decision, the COA reserves the right to release the full text of such reports or letters to correct the perceived distortion. 

Programs are expected to maintain accurate records of their accreditation-related documents, including any documents submitted to the accreditation department / COA and official COA decision letters.

Authorized personnel from accredited social work programs have the right to request a copy of a COA decision letter or custom letter confirming the program’s accreditation history, current status, and next review date.  Letters of Instructions, commission/site visit reports, deferral letters, postponement/adjustment approvals, and substantive change acceptances are not considered COA decision letters and will not be released to programs.

Authorized personnel include program directors, field directors, and any additional designees listed in the program’s CSWE database record.  Refer to policy 1.2.4 regarding updating authorized personnel in the program’s record.

A request is made in writing via email to the program’s accreditation specialist a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the date the program requires the documentation.  Requests that are not allotted a full 2 weeks for staff processing are not guaranteed to meet the program’s expected timeframe.

1.2.8. Accreditation Fees and Related Policies

To maintain candidacy or accredited status, programs are expected to be members of CSWE in good standing. Good standing means that programs have paid all current membership dues and candidacy and reaffirmation accreditation fees. Programs that fail to maintain good standing are subject to having their accreditation status suspended. Direct any questions regarding program membership to the Member Services Coordinator at membership@cswe.org or 703.519.2067. Direct any questions regarding accreditation fees to feesaccred@cswe.org.

1.2.9. Program Closure and Withdrawal of Accredited Status

If a program wishes to withdraw from accredited status, the program’s chief administrator sends a formal letter to its accreditation specialist notifying the COA of its intention to close the program. The program is expected to make arrangements for the graduation or transfer of its students and should work closely with its accreditation specialist during this planning process, at the conclusion of which the date of the program’s accreditation will be decided. A program is expected to remain in full compliance with all standards during the withdrawal process.

1.2.10. Dissolution of Collaborative Programs

A collaborative program is a baccalaureate or master’s social work education program operated by two or more colleges or universities. The collaborative design recognizes the collective experience of two academic units and creates a distinctive organizational structure. Some collaborative programs have one chief administrator who is accountable to a bi-institutional board that functions as a dean or academic vice president would in a traditional program, such as making budgetary or personnel decisions regarding the hiring of the program director. Others have one chief administrator who is accountable to appropriate academic administrators at each campus. Another model may designate two persons, one from each institution, to serve alternating terms as chief administrator. The collaborative program may be located on one campus, both campuses, or separate from both institutions.
 
Typically, collaborative programs are formed to pool resources (faculty, library, information technology, expenses for operating costs), enhance opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and to increase student and faculty campus-based resources (bookstores, cafeterias, and fitness centers). Collaborative programs are generally found to enhance programs by enabling them to serve a broader pool of students. Collaborative programs offer new opportunities while also creating new demands for increased coordination and teamwork among faculty and administrators.
 
Accreditation is awarded to the collaborative program as a whole, not to the member institutions. If one or more of the member institutions of a collaborative program wish to separate or withdraw accredited status, the chief administrator of the collaborative program notifies the program’s accreditation specialist or associate (with a copy to the president of each member institution) of its intention in writing. This action results in the dissolution of the collaborative program and ends its accreditation status. The collaborative program’s chief administrator is expected to make arrangements for the graduation or transfer of its students and should work closely with its accreditation specialist or associate during this planning process, at its conclusion the date the program’s accreditation will be decided. A program is expected to remain in full compliance with all standards during the withdrawal process.
 
If either member institution wants to have its own accredited single program, the chief administrator of the collaborative program should consult with its accreditation specialist regarding the process.
 
Should the collaborate dissolve, the program will first be required to come to an agreement regarding the collaborative program’s accreditation end date. Once an end date for the collaborative program is agreed upon, the Commission on Accreditation (COA) will vote on the program-initiated withdrawal of accredited status.
 
If one or more of the institutions chooses to establish an independent social work program following the dissolution of the collaborative, the program(s) must be reviewed for initial accreditation status by the COA.  Programs should request a revised timetable from their accreditation specialist, which will detail specific deadlines and requirements for applying for initial accreditation
 
The single program’s accreditation status will be retroactive to the fall term of the academic year in which they are granted initial accreditation. For example, if the collaborative program’s accreditation end date is agreed upon as spring/summer term of an academic year the single program may choose the February, June, or October COA agenda date of the following academic year and follow the revised timetable accordingly.
 
Each single program may continuously accept students; however, students should be notified by the program so they are aware they may not graduate from an accredited program if the program is not granted initial accreditation by the COA.
 
If a single program chooses not to immediately adhere to this revised timetable and complete the process, students remaining in the program after agreed-upon collaborative program’s accreditation end date will not graduate from an accredited program. To prevent this scenario, the collaborative program must submit, in writing to their accreditation specialist, a plan detailing arrangements for the graduation or transfer of its students. The plan addresses potential special circumstances should student(s) remain in the program after the agreed upon collaborative program’s accreditation end date.
 
If a single program chooses not to immediately adhere to this revised timetable and complete the process, the single program must enter the full 3-year candidacy process to gain accreditation.

1.2.11. Document Submission Policy

Programs are required to address all standards, including all program options, and to submit documents in the required format. Should a program fail to address all standards, including all program options, and/or fail to submit documents in the required format, the program may be required to revise and resubmit its document(s) for review at the next COA meeting. The program’s accreditation status will remain unchanged during the revision period. Should the program fail to submit the accreditation document(s) by the revision due date, the COA may initiate adverse action.
Required Format of Materials Submitted to the COA

1.2.12. Programs Found Out of Compliance Between Reviews

When there is a possibility that a program may be out of compliance with one or more educational policy and accreditation standard, the matter is referred to the Executive Committee for substantiation and possible action (e.g., order a modified site visit, place on conditional accredited status, or initiate withdrawal of accredited status).

1.2.13. Use of Consultants

CSWE does not recommend the use of external paid consultants. External consultants hired by programs to assist in their reaffirmation of accreditation or progression through candidacy status are not employees or agents of CSWE. CSWE is in no way responsible for the services provided by such consultants, and in no way does CSWE guarantee, recommend, or endorse the services of any consultant.

2.1. Reaffirmation Timetables and Policies

At the end of a program’s 4 years of initial accreditation the Commission on Accreditation (COA) reviews the program for reaffirmation of accreditation. If the program is found in compliance with all Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), its accreditation will be reaffirmed for 8 years. The COA will continue to review the program for reaffirmation of accreditation every 8 years.

2.1.1 Failure to Submit Reaffirmation Materials by the Due Date

If a program fails to apply for reaffirmation or postponement, or fails to submit a complete self-study by the due date for the submission of reaffirmation materials, the COA may initiate withdrawal of accreditation.

2.1.2. Timetable for Reaffirmation

2.2. Reaffirmation Eligibility

The reaffirmation of accreditation process begins by evaluating the institution’s ability to maintain an accredited social work program and meet the COA’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Standards. The program’s chief administrator completes the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application form and/or Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application form to demonstrate compliance with the Reaffirmation Eligibility Standards. This information is reviewed and approved by the program’s accreditation specialist, who will decide to approve the eligibility application or return it to the program for additional information.

2.2.1. Reaffirmation Eligibility Application

Baccalaureate programs address six Reaffirmation Eligibility Standards, and master’s programs address seven. Reaffirmation Eligibility Standards 1 through 5, and the required supporting documentation, are the same for the baccalaureate and master’s programs.  Baccalaureate programs address one additional standard and master's programs address two additional standards.

The Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application and Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application forms list each eligibility standard, ask a series of questions, and/or require the submission of materials to determine compliance.

Information about when the Reaffirmation Eligibility Application is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Reaffirmation.

2.2.2. Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Standards

Eligibility Standard 1

The chief executive officer of the institution authorizes the COA’s review of the social work program.
Submit the Authorization of Program Review form completed and signed by the chief executive officer of the institution.
Programs have their president or chancellor complete and sign the Authorization of Program Review form, which documents that the institution has given the COA permission to come to the campus and conduct a site visit.

Eligibility Standard 2

The institution’s accreditation has been awarded by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The institution is authorized to award the baccalaureate degree in social work.

Answer questions 4–6 on the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Eligibility Standard 3

The institution has a written affirmative action policy, plan, or program and procedures and a stated policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, or age. The institution complies with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Answer questions 7–8 on the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit the portions of your institution’s affirmative action plan that articulate its stated policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, or age. Programs may submit a copy of relevant materials if the original is online or in a catalog. If online, please identify the URL.

Some private universities do not have affirmative action plans. In that instance programs need to obtain a letter from the provost that states that the university's affirmation action procedure is to delegate affirmative action responsibility to the program. The program would then submit its own affirmative action plan.

Submit the institution’s ADA compliance plan or other proof of the institution’s compliance with the ADA.

This information may be found in different places, depending on the structure of the institution, including the offices of disabilities services and human resources; from the office of the affirmative action compliance officer; and the office of the president, provost, academic vice president, or university counsel. Programs may submit a hard copy of relevant pages if materials are online only or in a large catalog. If online, please identify the URL.

Eligibility Standard 4

The institution has appointed a social work program chief administrator who has a full-time appointment in the institution, and the person's principal assignment is to the social work program. The program chief administrator has a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program with a doctoral degree preferred or a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and a doctoral degree, preferably in social work.

Answer questions 9–12 on the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit the program chief administrator’s curriculum vitae.

Eligibility Standard 5

The institution identifies and describes the social work program in its catalog or similar publication. Program purposes and requirements are specified. The same document specifies the educational level(s) of the program(s) for which CSWE accreditation has been received or is being sought.

Answer questions 13–21 on the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit the catalog (or similar publication documenting that the program is described in the catalog) to ensure that the program’s purposes and requirements are described, and that the institution specifies the educational level of the program for which CSWE accreditation has been received. If the catalog is on the Web page, a hardcopy of this information and the URL should be provided.

Eligibility Standard 6

The institutional transcript for students who complete the accredited social work program confirms that a major in social work was completed and a baccalaureate degree awarded.

Answer questions 22–23 on the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Attach a sample transcript of a student who has graduated from the program. The transcript must indicate that the major was social work and the name of the degree awarded. Remove identifying information.
 
 

2.2.3. Master's Reaffirmation Eligibility Standards

Eligibility Standard 1

The chief executive officer of the institution authorizes the COA’s review of the social work program.

Submit the Authorization of Program Review form completed and signed by the chief executive officer of the institution.

Programs have their president or chancellor complete the Authorization of Program Review form, which documents that the institution has given the COA permission to come to the campus and conduct a site visit.

Eligibility Standard 2

The institution’s accreditation has been awarded by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The institution is authorized to award the master’s degree in social work.

Answer questions 4–6 on the Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Eligibility Standard 3

The institution has a written affirmative action policy, plan, or program and procedures, and a stated policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, or age. The institution complies with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Answer questions 7–8 on the Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit the portions of your institution’s affirmative action plan that articulate its stated policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, or age. Programs may submit a hard copy of relevant materials if the original is online or in a catalog. If online, please identify the URL.

Some private universities do not have affirmative action plans. In that instance programs need to obtain a letter from the provost that states that the university's affirmation action procedure is to delegate affirmative action responsibility to the program. The program would then submit its own affirmative action plan.

Submit the institution’s ADA compliance plan or other proof of the institution’s compliance with the ADA.

This information may be found in different places, depending on the structure of the institution, including the offices of disabilities services and human resources; the office of the affirmative action compliance officer; and office of the president, provost, academic vice president, or university counsel. Programs may submit a copy of relevant materials if the original is online or in a catalog. If online, please identify the URL.

Eligibility Standard 4

The institution has appointed a social work program chief administrator who has a full-time appointment in the institution, and the person's principal assignment is to the social work program. The program chief administrator has a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. In addition, it is preferred that the MSW program director have a doctoral degree, preferably in social work.

Answer questions 9–12 on the Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit the program chief administrator’s curriculum vitae.

Eligibility Standard 5

The institution identifies and describes the social work program in its catalog or similar publication. Program purposes and requirements are specified. The same document specifies the educational level(s) of the program(s) for which CSWE accreditation has been received or is being sought.

Answer questions 13–21 on the Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit the catalog (or similar publication that documents that the program is described in the catalog) to assure that the program’s purposes and requirements are described, and that the institution specifies the educational level of the program for which CSWE accreditation has been received. If the catalog is on the Web page, a hardcopy of this information and the URL should be provided.

Eligibility Standard 6

The educational institution provides its organizational chart to document the position of the social work program in the governance structure of the institution and to demonstrate its position relative to other professional education programs offered by the institution.

Answer question 22 on the Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

Submit an organizational chart that documents the position of the social work program in the governance structure of the institution and its position relative to other professional education programs at the institution.

Eligibility Standard 7

The institution must ensure that the master’s program in social work can be completed in 2 calendar years of full-time study or a maximum of 4 calendar years of part-time study. Answer question 23–29 on the Master’s Reaffirmation Eligibility Application.

The catalog or similar publication submitted for Eligibility Standard 5 must contain, in the description of the program, explicit statements that say (1) that the full-time program can be completed in 2 years, and (2) that the part-time program can be completed in a maximum of 4 years.

2.2.4. Permission to Use Data for Research

From time to time CSWE staff use self-study (or reaffirmation compliance audit) data for the purposes of quality assurance for the COA and for research, both about the field in general and for the specific purpose of preparing information for the revision of EPAS. Results are reported in aggregate form only, so programs will not be individually identifiable in any reports. There will be no repercussions on the program’s accreditation status. Requests by non-CSWE staff for use of self-study (or reaffirmation compliance audit) data are subject to institutional review board review and program approval. Such research may significantly improve our understanding of the current state of social work education, and we thank you in advance for your contribution. If you do not want to include your program’s data for use in CSWE research you can opt out at the end of the Baccalaureate Reaffirmation Eligibility Form and/or Master's Reaffirmation Eligibility Form.

2.3.1. Purpose and Overview of the Site Visit

The COA reviews the program’s self-study before the site visit and sends a letter of instructions to the site visitor(s) specifying the accreditation standards that the visitor(s) should address. This ensures the visit is focused and guided by the initial COA review. Site visitors are expected to conduct visits so that programs have the opportunity to provide information that clarifies, corrects, or supplements those parts of the self-study about which the COA has questions. As representatives accountable to the COA, site visitors have authority to request, examine, and report any information and materials relevant to the letter of instruction.

Every site visitor is expected to discuss general questions related to three accreditation standards (AS) from the 2015 EPAS with programs: AS 1 (Program mission and goals), AS 3.0 (Nondiscrimination and Human Diversity), and AS 4 (Program Assessment and Continuous Improvement). Site visitors explore these standards with relevant constituents by asking broad questions about program, mission and goals and how these relate to the level of practice for which they prepare students and insights the program may have reached based on its assessment of student outcomes. In addition, site visitors ask general questions about the challenges and achievements programs have experienced in making specific and continuous efforts to provide a learning context in which respect for all persons and understanding of diversity are practiced.

Beyond these standards, site visitors address standards about which the COA raised specific questions. The COA expects site visitors to submit comprehensive and thorough reports of their findings about which specific questions were raised.

2.3.2. Site Visit Planning Form

2.3.3. Site Visitor Qualifications and Selection

Qualifications

To become a certified site visitor an individual must be a full- or part-time social work faculty member at a CSWE-accredited social work program, have a letter of recommendation from that program’s chief administrator or an institutional administrator, and maintain CSWE membership. Site visitors are required to have three years of teaching experience. Every site visitor participates in training on EPAS before being certified. Site visitors must attend an update session whenever new standards are developed.

Site Visitor Selection

The site visit coordinator and the director of the Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA) use the information on the Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning form to select several potential site visitors from the roster of certified site visitors. Certified site visitors are not eligible to participate in the site visit if they participated in the program’s last site visit; work or reside in the same state as the program; are current or former faculty members or students; previously applied for a position at the program; are current or former consultants to the program; or have other conflicts of interest brought to CSWE’s attention by the program or potential site visitor.

Potential site visitors are not selected according to their experience at the program level (baccalaureate or master’s); its religious affiliation, size, administrative structure of institution, or program; area of expertise; or other similar criteria that are not germane to the collection of accurate information. Program directors are able to refuse specific site visitors only on the basis of a conflict of interest.

The site visit coordinator sends an e-mail with the names of the potential site visitors to the chief administrator of the program to review for possible conflicts of interest. The program’s chief administrator replies to the e-mail and indicates whether there is any conflict of interest with each potential site visitor and if so, the nature of the conflict.

The site visit coordinator uses that information to select a site visitor or visitors, and when site visitors are confirmed, sends the names, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers to the program.

2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit

Advance preparation for site visits is essential and involves close collaboration among OSWA staff, site visitors, and programs.

Travel and Accommodations

Program directors should communicate with the site visitors about arrangements such as travel plans, work space requirements in the hotel and on campus, and the schedule for the site visit. The program’s chief administrator or designee should confirm all arrangements with the site visitor(s) in writing.

Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site visitors and should consult with the site visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times. Coach fare is expected. The program should also inform site visitors about transportation from the airport to the campus.

Site visitors should be housed in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing. Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site visitors’ expenses minus personal expenses. Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.

Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses for the site visitors. Programs should inform the site visitors how reimbursement for these expenses will be managed.

Communication Guidelines

Program directors are responsible for all communication with the site visitors. Faculty members, students, or others should not communicate with the site visitors before their arrival on campus nor after their arrival until the appointed time in the site visit schedule. Constituent groups desiring to meet with site visitors should request that the program’s chief administrator arrange time on the site visit agenda. It is inappropriate for site visitors to receive anonymous documents, telephone calls, or other similar information. Site visitors are instructed to discuss any such incidents with the program’s chief administrator and to refuse written or verbal information that cannot be shared openly.

POLICY ON REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES FOR SITE VISITOR/COMMISSIONER VISITS TO PROGRAMS FOREITHER CANDIDACY OR REAFFIRMATION PURPOSES

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Requesting site/commission visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the Council on Social Work Education or the Office of Social Work Accreditation.
• Site visitors and commissioner visitors are not employees of the Council on Social Work or of the program they visit, neither are they vendors selling products which would require a W-9 form. They are simply non-paid volunteers contributing their services to Social Work Programs so if they are uncomfortable completing the W-9 form, they are to submit their expenses to the site visit coordinator (sbell@cswe.org), our finance department will reimburse them and invoice the programs.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.
   

2.3.5. Letter of Instruction and the Site Visit Schedule

The site visit schedule, including visits to off-campus sites, must be arranged in advance of the visit by the site visitor and program directors.

Letter of Instructions to the Site Visitor(s)

A copy of the Letter of Instructions to the Site Visitor(s) is provided to program directors for guidance in working with site visitors to set up the visit and for informational purposes. The site visitors and program directors use the letter to create the site visit schedule, including with whom the visitors will meet and the specific times and locations where the meetings will occur.  View a sample Letter of Instruction.

The program prepares for the visit by considering how it might respond to the questions raised in the letter during the site visit. The COA does not expect the program to take formal action on the letter of instructions nor to submit a response to it before the site visit. Site visitors are instructed not to request the Program Response in advance of the site visit.

Site Visitor(s) Arrival

During the first evening site visitors generally work alone to prepare for the visit. Program directors may meet with site visitors to extend a brief welcome, explain the itinerary, answer any questions, and outline the arrangements to escort them to the campus. During the site visit, evenings are reserved for site visitors to work on the site visit report and prepare for the exit interview. No social events should be planned for the site visitors.

Meeting with the Institutional Administrators

The COA expects the site visit to begin with the institution’s chief executive officer and other institutional administrators. The program director should escort the site visitor(s) to the office of the chief executive officer of the institution and, after introductions, permit the site visitor(s) to meet alone with the chief executive officer or his or her designee. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the accreditation process, learn more about the role and place of the program within the institution’s system, answer any questions the president or chancellor may have, and to collect any information related to EPAS listed in the COA Letter of Instructions to the Site Visitor(s). When it is impossible to meet with the institution’s chief executive officer, it is acceptable to meet with his or her designee.

Meetings with the Social Work Program

The schedule may also include meetings with the program director, faculty members, the director of the field practicum, field instructors, students, the librarian, and other individuals whose presence is relevant (such as faculty concerned with ethnic or gender issues) to the issues raised in the Letter of Instructions to the Site Visitor(s). The purpose of these meetings is to assess the program in relation to the instructions given in the COA Letter of Instructions to the Site Visitor(s).

The COA does not require or recommend dismissing classes during the site visit. It is advised that the schedule be planned to permit participation by all constituents without disrupting the academic schedule.

Additional Materials

If the program provides additional information to the site visitor(s) during the site visit, three copies of those materials must be sent to the program’s accreditation specialist or associate. The COA uses the site visit report and the program’s response to it to make a decision on the program’s reaffirmation. Site visitors should not forward program materials to CSWE for the program.

Exit Interview

Site visitors hold an exit interview with the program director to convey the findings for inclusion in the site visit report. The program and/or site visitor will determine if additional constituents (administration, faculty, etc.) should be present. The program director may ask questions, comment on the findings, and/or correct any inaccuracies. Site visitors may respond to questions but not make judgments of whether the program is in compliance with EPAS, as that judgment rests with the COA.

Site visitors should remind programs that the findings, along with the programs’ response to site visit reports, are reviewed by the COA before making a decision about compliance. Site visitors should explicitly inform the institution and program that the COA will notify them of its decision about program compliance and concerns, and that it is possible that the COA’s analysis will differ from that of the site visitors.

After the visit has concluded, contact between the program and site visitor(s) should end. If the program has additional questions or comments after the visit, the program should contact its accreditation specialist or associate. The program does not provide a copy of its response to the site visitor.

2.3.6. Emergencies or Questions During the Site Visit

Emergencies or Questions During the Commissioner Visit

DOSWA recognizes that scheduled visits may need to be delayed or cancelled due to special circumstances beyond the control of relevant parties. Examples of these special circumstances include inclement weather conditions, natural or manmade disasters, or changes to visitor’s or key personnel’s schedules due to unforeseen personal matters. As this list is not exhaustive, the visitor or program is encouraged to contact CSWE’s site visit coordinator to discuss special circumstances that may affect the completion of the visit. Cancelling or delaying a visit is an extenuating circumstance. Due to complexity in scheduling visits, cancellations and delays will be avoided whenever possible.

Should an emergency arise before the visit occurs requiring the visitor or program to delay or cancel the visit, CSWE’s site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. To inform the DOSWA of any delays or cancellations to a planned visit:

• The party (visitor or program) must immediately notify the site visit coordinator of the delay or cancellation along with the other party (visitor or program) via telephone and email 
• The program, visitor, and site Visitor Coordinator must communicate to determine the best course of action:
  • Delay visit
  • Reschedule visit with same visitor for a later date 
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for the original date
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for a later date

*If the program and visitor are unable to select a new visit date, the site visitor coordinator may work directly with the program to assign an alternate visitor if available. The delayed or rescheduled visit is based upon the alternate visitor’s availability.

Responsibility of Fees Incurred

The program will be responsible for any fees associated with the delayed or rescheduled the visit. Programs are advised to purchase refundable and transferrable transportation and accommodations to avoid incurring fees in the event of visit cancellation or delay.
 
Should an emergency arise during the visit requiring a visitor or program to leave the visit early, the site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. These occurrences will be handled on an individual basis. 

If the site visit coordinator is unavailable, the DOSWA director or accreditation specialist may be contacted. 

Questions During the Visit

Logistical questions related to visit, including concerns about boundary or ethical issues, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, or reimbursement* may be directed to the site visit coordinator. 
*Per policy 2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit, requesting visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the CSWE or the DOSWA.

Visitors or a program’s primary contact may contact the program’s accreditation specialist at any time to clarify an accreditation standard or the Commission on Accreditation’s policies or procedure, such as:

• Interpretation of an accreditation standard
• Clarification of the letter of instruction
• EPAS Handbook policies and procedures

If the site visit coordinator or accreditation specialist is unavailable, the DOSWA director may be contacted. 

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

2.3.7. Site Visitor Ethical Guidelines

When accepting an appointment to visit a program, each site visitor is required to subscribe to the Site Visitor Ethical Guidelines to ensure that the site visitor duties are carried out fairly, impartially, and responsibly by avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest and other improprieties. Adherence to these guidelines is essential to maintaining and preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the accreditation process.

2.4.1. Purpose of the Self-Study

The term self-study refers to the program’s process of self-examination during the creation of the self-study, as well as to the self-study document itself. The purpose of the self-study document is to demonstrate the program’s compliance with all of the 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. The self-study process should begin approximately 2 years prior to the COA Review for Determination of Reaffirmation.

2.4.2. COA Guidelines for Writing the Self-Study

These guidelines are intended to make the process of writing and compiling the self-study easier for programs and make the evaluation of the self-study easier for COA readers. The COA encourages a clear and succinct narrative. The self-study should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 –EPAS

Volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrates the program’s compliance with 2015 EPAS. Each accreditation standard (AS) should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. The Program Expense Budget form should be included near the narrative for AS 3.4.1 and the Librarian’s Report near AS 3.4.4

Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements (previously discussed in section 1) while writing the self-study. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

In institutions with both an accredited baccalaureate and an accredited master’s social work program, a complete self-study must be submitted for each program.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume 2 contains all of the program’s course syllabi. Elective courses not taken by all students do not need to be included. Dual degree courses, other than those for the MSW degree, need not be included. The syllabi need to be uniform. If there is more than one section of a course, a common syllabus may be submitted that contains all the components required for the course.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume 3 is the appendix and contains the student handbook, the field education manual, and any other supporting documentation.

2.4.3. Submitting Electronic and Paper Versions of the Self-Study

As described in the Timetable for Reaffirmation, the program mails an electronic version and three paper copies of the self-study and e-mails a copy of the accreditation review brief to its accreditation specialist. The electronic version of the self-study will be used for research on social work education and accreditation quality assurance. The electronic version of the self-study should be mailed to CSWE on a USB drive at the same time the paper copies are mailed. Self-study files should not be e-mailed to CSWE. Because the text from the self-study will be imported into a text analysis program, self-study files should be MS Word documents.  Syllabi in Volume II should be uniform in format. Materials in Volume III may be scanned or photocopies from original documents. All volumes should have a table of contents, page numbers, and be spiral-bound or library-bound.

2.4.4. Accreditation Review Brief

The Accreditation Review Brief form is a tool used by the COA commission reader to report his or her evaluation of the program. Section 2 of the Accreditation Review Brief lists each accreditation standard, related educational policies, and compliance statements from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements.

In the location column of section 2, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement for an accreditation standard is addressed in the program’s self-study. In section 1 the program completes identifying information. The program fills out one Accreditation Review Brief for each program level that is being reviewed for reaffirmation during the site visit.

Include an unbound, paper-clipped copy in Word of the Accreditation Review Brief with the self-study.

2.5. Site Visit Report and Program Response

As described in the purpose and overview of the site visit (2.3.1), the COA reviews the program’s self-study before the site visit and sends a Letter of Instruction to the site visitors and program director specifying the accreditation standards that the visitors should address so the visit is more focused and guided by the initial COA review.

2.5.1 Site Visit Report

The beginning of the site visit report must include the name, date, and state of the program visited, the program level, and the name(s) of the site visitor(s). The report should include either a copy of the site visit schedule or a list of people who met with the site visitor(s) during the visit (e.g., groups and individuals from the program and institution).

The next part of the report is a brief summary of the conversation with the program on general questions related to AS 1 (Program mission and goals), AS 3.0 (Nondiscrimination and Human Diversity), and AS 4 (Program Assessment and Continuous Improvement).

In the last part of the report the site visitors list each accreditation standard and question raised by the COA in its letter of instructions with a thorough discussion of findings for each.

Information about when the site visit report is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Reaffirmation.

2.5.2. Program Response to the Site Visit Report

The program is required to submit a response to the site visit report within 2 weeks of receiving the report. The beginning of the response must include the name and state of the program visited, the program level visited, the name(s) of the site visitor(s), and the date of the response.

Next, the program lists each accreditation standard and question raised by the COA in its letter of instructions and states whether it agrees or disagrees with site visit finding, corrects any errors of fact, and clarifies information that may have been incorrectly understood by the site visitor(s). Disagreements with the site visit report should be stated clearly, and additional documentation should be provided if necessary.

Information about when the program response to the site visit report is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Reaffirmation.

2.6.1 Reaffirmation Determination Decisions

2.6.2. First Progress Report Decisions

After hearing the accreditation specialist or associate’s review of the first progress report, or after reviewing the first progress report itself, the COA takes one of six actions, regardless of who reviewed the report:

1. Accept the First Progress Report. All of the areas of concern were addressed in the progress report, and no further action by the program is required.
2. Request a Second Progress Report to be Reviewed by the Program’s Accreditation Specialist or Associate. The COA finds that one or more of the concerns in the first progress report are still areas of concern and requests a second progress report. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of concern and a due date for the progress report. If the second progress report is not accepted, the program is automatically placed on conditional accreditation.
3. Request a Second Progress Report to be Reviewed by the COA. The COA finds that one or more of the concerns in the first progress report are still areas of concern and requests a second progress report. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of concern and a due date for the progress report. If the second progress report is not accepted, the program is automatically placed on conditional accreditation.
4. Place the Program on Conditional Accredited Status. The COA finds the program out of compliance with one or more educational policy or accreditation standards and places the program on conditional accredited status if the COA believes that noncompliance issues can be resolved by the program within 1 year. Conditional status is an adverse decision, and programs may request reconsideration. If the program accepts The COA’s decision, it submits a restoration report.
5. Initiate Withdrawal of Accredited Status. The COA initiates withdrawal of accredited status if the program is found to be out of compliance with one or more educational policy or accreditation standards and the COA does not believe that noncompliance issues can be resolved within 1 year. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance and instructs the program to work with its accreditation specialist or associate to arrange for the graduation or transfer of its students and determine when the program’s accreditation will be withdrawn. The decision to initiate withdrawal of accredited status is an adverse one, and programs may request reconsideration. After its official withdrawal date a program may apply for candidacy status.
6. Order a Modified Site Visit. If the COA believes that a program may be out of compliance with one or more educational policy or accreditation standards, the COA can order a modified site visit to collect more information. A site visitor is sent, at the program’s expense, to review specific compliance issues. This program is reviewed at the next COA meeting after the site visit.

2.6.3. Second Progress Report Decisions

After reviewing the first progress report, the COA takes one of four actions:

1. Accept the Second Progress Report. All areas of concern were addressed in the progress report, and no further action by the program is required.
2. Place the Program on Conditional Accredited Status. If the second progress report is not accepted, the program is automatically placed on conditional accreditation. Placement on conditional status is an adverse decision, and programs may request reconsideration. If the program accepts the COA’s decision, it submits a restoration report.
3. Initiate Withdrawal of Accredited Status. The COA initiates withdrawal of accredited status if the program is found to be out of compliance with one or more educational policy or accreditation standards and the COA does not believe that noncompliance issues can be resolved within 1 year. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance and instructs the program to work with its accreditation specialist or associate to arrange for the graduation or transfer of its students and determine when the program’s accreditation will be withdrawn. The decision to initiate withdrawal of accredited status is an adverse one, and programs may request reconsideration. After its official withdrawal date a program may apply for candidacy status.
4. Order a Modified Site Visit. If the COA believes that a program may be out of compliance with one or more educational policy or accreditation standards, the COA can order a modified site visit to collect more information. A site visitor is sent at the program’s expense to review specific compliance issues. This program is reviewed at the next COA meeting after the site visit.

2.6.4. Restoration Report Decisions

When the program accepts the COA decision to place it on conditional accredited status or when the outcome of the reconsideration hearing is to uphold the COA decision (see reconsideration policy), the program must submit a restoration report. When the restoration report is received, the COA reviews it along with all previously submitted materials. The COA takes one of four actions:

1. Restore Accredited Status. The COA review of the program’s restoration report finds that the program has taken corrective action and is in compliance with all standards. No further action is required.
2. Restore Accredited Status and Request a Progress Report. The request includes a due date and indicates whether the report will be reviewed by the program’s accreditation specialist or associate and/or the COA.
3. Order a Modified Site Visit. A modified site visit is ordered when the restoration report fails to clarify program compliance. A site visitor is sent at the program’s expense to review specific issues. This program is reviewed at the next commission meeting following the site visit. After its review of the site visit report, the COA either returns the program to accredited status or initiates withdrawal of its accredited status.
4. Initiate Withdrawal of Accredited Status. The COA initiates withdrawal of accredited status if the program is found to be out of compliance with one or more standards and the program cannot take corrective action within 1 year. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance and instructs the program to work with its accreditation specialist or associate to determine the effective date of the withdrawal of accreditation. The decision to initiate withdrawal of accredited status is an adverse one, and the program may request reconsideration (see Reconsideration Policy).

3.1. Introduction to Candidacy

Italicized documents or forms in this section can be found on Candidacy Section of the CSWE Web site.

3.1.1 Benchmark Model

The benchmark model is a systematic, incremental approach to developing a social work program and writing a comprehensive self-study. There are three benchmarks; the first portion of each benchmark consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with and the second portion consists of standards that must be addressed in draft form.

Program development is guided by three visits from the COA commissioners. During each visit the commissioner makes a recommendation about the program’s compliance with standards in the first portion of the benchmark and provides consultation on the standards in the second portion.

Programs progress through several stages of program development: applying for candidacy status, completing candidacy, and receiving initial accreditation status. There are several products, forms, and accreditation fees associated with each stage (a current list of fees is available on the CSWE Web site).

Applying for candidacy status involves completion of the Letter of Institutional Intent and the Candidacy Eligibility Application and payment of the Letter of Intent and Candidacy Eligibility Fee. After the accreditation specialist approves the application materials, the program completes and submits its Benchmark I document. When the specialist approves the Benchmark I document the program is assigned to a COA agenda (February, June, or October) and arrangements are made for commissioner visit I. The program remains on that agenda as it progresses through the remaining steps.

Completing candidacy involves the completion of the Benchmark II document and its evaluation during commissioner visit II as well as the completion of the Initial Accreditation Self-Study document and its evaluation at commissioner visit III. Receipt of initial accreditation involves completion of the Initial Accreditation Self-Study document, assembled to give the appearance of a self-study, which is evaluated during Commissioner visit III.

Master’s of social work programs are typically designed to be completed by full-time students in 2 years. Master’s programs may elect to develop a part-time only program, designed to be completed by part-time students in up to 4 years. In either case, by the time a program is reviewed by the COA for initial accreditation, the self-study will be completed, at least one class graduated, and assessment data collected from program graduates.

3.2. Benchmark Model

3.2.1 Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements

The COA uses the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements as a guide to consistent and complete review of a program’s candidacy or reaffirmation of accreditation. Statements of compliance, concern, and noncompliance are provided for each accreditation standard (AS) and related educational policy (EP).

Each benchmark has a corresponding Benchmark Review Brief form that lists the accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with and the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements. The commission visitor uses the brief to evaluate the program’s compliance with the benchmark and make a recommendation to the COA.

3.2.2 Timetable for Candidacy

The Timetable for Candidacy provides a detailed chronological list of accreditation fees, materials, and activities with the deadline, number and kind of copies needed, and who should receive them as the program progresses through the steps of obtaining candidacy, completing candidacy, and receiving initial accreditation.

There are three versions of the Timetable for Candidacy with dates that correspond to the February, June, and October COA meetings held each year. Once the program has been assigned an agenda, select the corresponding Timetable for Candidacy (February, June, October) on the Candidacy section of the Web site, then go to the last row of the first page and insert the year the program will be reviewed for candidacy in the middle column next to “Commission Review for Candidacy”. That is when the COA will decide whether the program is in compliance with Benchmark I and whether the program should be granted candidacy status. From there, work up to the top of the page and fill in the year for each step in the candidacy process. Contact your accreditation specialist  if you have any questions or need assistance.

3.2.3 Candidacy Policies

Student Admission

Only students admitted during or after the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy will be recognized as having graduated from an accredited program, once the program is fully accredited. Students admitted prior to the academic year in which the program was granted candidacy will not be recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited social work education program, regardless of the program's accredited status when they graduate.

Foundation Content and Advanced Content for MSW Programs

Programs in candidacy must develop and offer foundation content and advanced content for the master’s program. They cannot offer an advanced-standing only program.

Delivery of the Curriculum

All means of delivery of the curriculum (part-time, distance education off-site or online), being implemented currently or planned in the near future, should be included in the Benchmark I document.

Failure to Submit

If a program fails to submit a Benchmark document by the due date, COA may remove the program from candidacy or deny initial accreditation.

3.3.1 Overview of Applying for Candidacy Status

The program submits a Letter of Institutional Intent, the Candidacy Eligibility Fee, and a Candidacy Eligibility Application form with supporting materials. The director of the Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA) assigns an accreditation specialist to review the submission. When the specialist  approves the Letter of Institutional Intent and Candidacy Eligibility Application, the program is asked to submit a Draft Benchmark I document. The accreditation specialist reviews the Draft Benchmark I document and works with the program to make certain it has fully addressed all of the requirements of the Draft Benchmark I. After approving the Draft Benchmark I document, the specialist recommends that the director of OSWA arrange Commissioner Visit I. The date of Draft Benchmark I approval determines the program’s agenda date (February, June, October).

3.3.2. Letter of Institutional Intent

3.3.3. Candidacy Eligibility Application

The Candidacy Eligibility Application form lists each eligibility standard, asks a series of simple questions, and/or requires the submission of materials to determine compliance.

Information about when the Candidacy Eligibility Application is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

Eligibility Standard 1

The review of the social work program by the Commission on Accreditation is authorized by the chief executive officer of the institution.

Eligibility Standard 2

The program is located in an educational institution recognized by a regional accrediting body approved by the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation.

Eligibility Standard 3

The institution must be legally organized and authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution under the laws of the relevant state. The program has been approved by the appropriate higher education authorities.

Eligibility Standard 4

The institution has a written affirmative action policy, plan or program, and procedures, and a stated policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, or age. The institution complies with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Eligibility Standard 5

The institution has appointed a chief administrator who has demonstrated leadership ability through teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, and other academic and professional activities in the field of social work.
At the baccalaureate level, the social work program director who is the chief administrator, or the designee of the chief administrator, has a master’s of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program with a doctoral degree preferred.
At the master’s level, the social work program director who is the chief administrator has a master’s of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.  In addition, it is preferred that the master’s program director have a doctoral degree.

Eligibility Standard 6

The institution documents sufficient and firm institutional supports to create, build, and maintain the social work program. Include faculty, staff, budget, and other resources necessary to build and maintain the program.

3.3.4. Progressing to Benchmark I

The Letter of Institutional Intent and Candidacy Eligibility Application must be approved by an accreditation specialist before Benchmark I is submitted. Once the letter of intent and application are approved, the program will receive a letter regarding the next step, which is the submission of the Benchmark I document for initial review and approval.

3.3.5. Writing the Benchmark I Document

The Benchmark I document should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Section 1-Compliance Accreditation Standards

The first section of volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the first portion of Benchmark I. This portion of Benchmark I, labeled “Benchmark I—Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with during Commissioner Visit I. The commissioner uses this section to make a recommendation to the full COA.

Section 2-Draft Accreditation Standards

The second section of volume 1 contains a series of draft narratives that address the second portion of Benchmark I. This portion of Benchmark I, which is shaded and labeled “Benchmark I—Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific standards that must be addressed in draft form during Commissioner Visit I. The commissioner consults with the program on how to develop this section further for their Benchmark II document and Commissioner Visit II.

Format

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume I of the Benchmark I document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains drafts of the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains a draft of the student handbook and any other supporting documentation.

Submission of the Draft and Final Benchmark I Document

The program submits a draft Benchmark I document to their accreditation specialist or associate for review and approval per the instructions in the Candidacy Eligibility Approval Letter. This ensures that the program is progressing appropriately. The final version of the Benchmark I document is submitted 1 month before the commissioner visit; see the Timetable for Candidacy—2008 EPAS for submission instructions.

3.3.6. Program Completion of the Benchmark I Review Brief

The Benchmark I Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark I document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark I and to make a recommendation to COA. In the Location column of sections 2 and 3, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement is addressed in the program’s Benchmark I document. See the Timetable for Candidacy for submission instructions.

3.3.7. Commissioner Visit I

The commission visitor’s primary task is to discuss the Benchmark I document and identify areas of compliance and noncompliance with the first portion of Benchmark I. The visitor also reviews the draft standards in the second portion of Benchmark I and identifies areas of further development that the program can use in writing the compliance section of Benchmark II.

Qualifications

Commissioner Visit I is conducted by a current member of the COA. Commissioners have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and have been experienced site visitors prior to serving on the COA.

Selecting the Commission Visitor

The director of OSWA and site visit coordinator select a commissioner to make Commissioner Visit I after the program’s accreditation specialist or associate approves the Benchmark I document. The date the Benchmark I document is approved determines when (February, June, or October) the program will be reviewed for candidacy status. The commission visitor contacts the program to arrange a date for the visit and lets the site visit coordinator know when the visit will occur. Commissioner visits for programs on the February agenda take place between September 1 and November 15, on the June agenda between December 1 and February 28, and on the October agenda between March 1 and May 31.

Program Preparation for the Commissioner Visit

The program director should communicate with the commission visitor about arrangements such as travel plans, work space requirements in the hotel and on campus, and the schedule for the commissioner visit. The program’s chief administrator or designee should confirm all arrangements with the commission visitor in writing. Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets and should consult with the commission visitor about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times. Coach fare is expected. The program should also inform the commission visitor about transportation from the airport to the campus.

The commission visitor should be housed in a hotel, not in a dormitory or other campus housing. The program should make arrangements with the hotel to pay the bill, minus any of the commission visitor’s personal expenses, directly. Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that the commission visitor has a place to work on the Benchmark I Review Brief.

Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses for the commission visitor, and the program should inform the commission visitor how reimbursement for these expenses will be managed.

Communication Guidelines

The program director is the person responsible for all communication with the commission visitor. Faculty members, students, or others should not communicate with the commission visitor before the arrival on campus, nor after the arrival until the appointed time in the commissioner visit schedule. Constituent groups desiring to meet with the commission visitor should request that the program’s chief administrator arrange time on the commissioner visit agenda. It is inappropriate for the commission visitor to receive anonymous documents, telephone calls, or other similar information. The commission visitor is instructed to discuss any such incidents with the program’s chief administrator and to refuse written or verbal information that cannot be shared openly.

Commission Visitor Arrival

During the first evening the commission visitor works alone to prepare for the visit. The program director may meet with the commission visitor to extend a brief welcome, explain the schedule, answer any questions, and outline the arrangements to escort them to the campus. During the commissioner visit, evenings are reserved for the commission visitor to work on the Benchmark I Review Brief and prepare for the exit interview. No social events should be planned for the commission visitor.

Meeting With the Institutional Administrators

The commissioner visit should begin with a meeting with the institution’s chief executive officer and other institutional administrators. The program director should escort the commission visitor to the office of the chief executive officer of the institution and, after introductions, permit the commission visitor to meet alone with the chief executive officer. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the accreditation process, learn more about the role and place of the program within the institution’s system, and answer questions from the president or chancellor. When it is impossible to meet with the institution’s chief executive officer, it is acceptable to meet with his or her designee.

Meetings With the Social Work Program

The schedule may also include meetings with the program director, faculty members, the director of the field practicum, field instructors, students, librarians, and other individuals whose presence is relevant (such as faculty concerned with ethnic or gender issues) to Benchmark I.

The COA does not require or recommend dismissing classes during the commissioner visit. It is expected that the schedule be planned to permit participation by all constituents without disrupting the academic schedule.

Additional Materials

If the program provides additional information to the commission visitor during the visit, three copies of those materials must be sent to the program’s accreditation specialist or associate.

Exit Interview

The commission visitor holds an exit interview, open to the people who met with the commission visitor during the visit (institutional administrators, program leadership, faculty, students, and other constituencies) to convey the findings that will be in the Benchmark I Review Brief. The commission visitor then invites the participants to ask questions, comment on the findings, and/or correct any inaccuracies. The commission visitor may respond to questions but not make judgments of whether the program is in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, because that judgment rests with the COA.

The commission visitor should remind the program that the findings, along with the program’s response to the Benchmark I Review Brief, are reviewed by the COA before making a decision about compliance. The commission visitor should explicitly inform the institution and program that the COA will notify them of its decision about program compliance and concerns, and that it is possible that the COA’s analysis will differ from that of the commission visitor.

After the visit has concluded, contact between the program and commission visitor should end. If the program has additional questions or comments after the visit, the program should contact its accreditation specialist or associate.

Emergencies or Questions During the Commissioner Visit

DOSWA recognizes that scheduled visits may need to be delayed or cancelled due to special circumstances beyond the control of relevant parties. Examples of these special circumstances include inclement weather conditions, natural or manmade disasters, or changes to visitor’s or key personnel’s schedules due to unforeseen personal matters. As this list is not exhaustive, the visitor or program is encouraged to contact CSWE’s site visit coordinator to discuss special circumstances that may affect the completion of the visit. Cancelling or delaying a visit is an extenuating circumstance. Due to complexity in scheduling visits, cancellations and delays will be avoided whenever possible.

Should an emergency arise before the visit occurs requiring the visitor or program to delay or cancel the visit, CSWE’s site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. To inform the DOSWA of any delays or cancellations to a planned visit:

• The party (visitor or program) must immediately notify the site visit coordinator of the delay or cancellation along with the other party (visitor or program) via telephone and email 
• The program, visitor, and site Visitor Coordinator must communicate to determine the best course of action:
  • Delay visit
  • Reschedule visit with same visitor for a later date 
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for the original date
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for a later date

*If the program and visitor are unable to select a new visit date, the site visitor coordinator may work directly with the program to assign an alternate visitor if available. The delayed or rescheduled visit is based upon the alternate visitor’s availability.

Responsibility of Fees Incurred

The program will be responsible for any fees associated with the delayed or rescheduled the visit. Programs are advised to purchase refundable and transferrable transportation and accommodations to avoid incurring fees in the event of visit cancellation or delay.
 
Should an emergency arise during the visit requiring a visitor or program to leave the visit early, the site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. These occurrences will be handled on an individual basis. 

If the site visit coordinator is unavailable, the DOSWA director or accreditation specialist may be contacted. 

Questions During the Visit

Logistical questions related to visit, including concerns about boundary or ethical issues, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, or reimbursement* may be directed to the site visit coordinator. 
*Per policy 2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit, requesting visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the CSWE or the DOSWA.

Visitors or a program’s primary contact may contact the program’s accreditation specialist at any time to clarify an accreditation standard or the Commission on Accreditation’s policies or procedure, such as:

• Interpretation of an accreditation standard
• Clarification of the letter of instruction
• EPAS Handbook policies and procedures

If the site visit coordinator or accreditation specialist is unavailable, the DOSWA director may be contacted. 

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

3.3.8. Commission Visitor Completion of the Benchmark I Review Brief

The Benchmark I Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark I document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark I and make a recommendation to the COA. Section 2 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark I. Section 3 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark I. The Compliance Statement column in each section lists the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements.

Commission Visitor Reporting of Findings

In the C/NC column of section 2 the commission visitor types “compliance” or “noncompliance” next to each compliance statement to report how well the program meets and addresses each item. The commission visitor indicates her or his reasoning in the Comments column for any compliance statement marked noncompliance. In section 4 of the Benchmark I Review Brief the commission visitor recommends a decision to the COA, lists areas of noncompliance with the corresponding accreditation standard, and writes a brief discussion of the problem and how the program can fix it.

Information about when the Benchmark I Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

3.3.9. Program Response to the Benchmark I Review Brief

The program is required to submit a response to the Benchmark I Review Brief within 2 weeks of receiving the brief. The response must include the name and state of the program visited, the program level visited, the name of the commission visitor, and the date of the response.

The program should list each commissioner visit finding and clearly state whether it agrees or disagrees with the finding, correct any errors of fact, and clarify information the program thinks may have been incorrectly understood by the commission visitor. Disagreements with the Benchmark I Review Brief visit should be stated clearly and additional documentation should be provided if necessary.

Information about when the program’s response to the Benchmark I Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

3.3.10. COA Decisions for Commissioner Visit I

After reviewing the program’s Benchmark I document, the Benchmark I Review Brief submitted by the commissioner making Commission Visit I (including the commissioner’s recommendation), and the program’s response to the Benchmark I Review Brief, the COA makes one of three decisions:

1. Grant Candidacy Status. The COA finds that the program is in compliance with Benchmark I and grants the program candidacy status. The decision letter instructs the program to prepare Benchmark II in preparation for its Commissioner Visit II. A commissioner will contact the program to arrange the visit.
2. Defer a Decision on Candidacy Status to the Next Meeting and Request Clarifying Information. The COA decides to defer a decision when the program’s documentation is insufficient to make a decision. A deferral is for one meeting only. Before the next commission meeting the program is expected to submit the documentation or clarification necessary for the COA to make a decision.
3. Deny Candidacy Status. A program is denied candidacy if the COA finds the program’s Benchmark I document to be inadequate. The program has two options in response to the decision: (1) to accept the decision and apply for candidacy by submitting a Benchmark I document or (2) to appeal by requesting a reconsideration of the decision. The program must notify their accreditation specialist or associate in writing which option it intends to pursue. If the program accepts the decision it may submit a Benchmark I document and apply for candidacy status no earlier than the second COA meeting following the one at which the COA made its decision.

3.4.1. Writing the Benchmark II Document

The Benchmark II document should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Section 1-Compliance Accreditation Standards

The first section of volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the first portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, labeled “Benchmark II—Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner uses this section to make a recommendation to the full COA.

Section 2-Draft Accreditation Standards

The second section of volume 1 contains a series of draft narratives that address the second portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, which is shaded and labeled “Benchmark II--Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific standards that must be addressed in draft form during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner consults with the program on how to develop this section further for their Benchmark III document and Commissioner Visit III.

Format

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume I of the Benchmark II document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains a draft of the field education manual, the final version of the student handbook, and any other supporting documentation.

Submission of the Benchmark II Document

The Benchmark II Document is submitted 1 month before the commissioner visit (see the Timetable for Candidacy for submission instructions).

3.4.2. Program Completion of the Benchmark II Review Brief

The Benchmark II Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark II document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark II and to make a recommendation to the COA. In the Location column of sections 2 and 3, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement is addressed in the program’s Benchmark II document. See the Timetable for Candidacy for submission instructions.

3.4.3. Benchmark II

The Benchmark II document should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Section 1-Compliance Accreditation Standards

The first section of volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the first portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, labeled “Benchmark II—Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner uses this section to make a recommendation to the full COA.

Section 2-Draft Accreditation Standards

The second section of volume 1 contains a series of draft narratives that address the second portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, which is shaded and labeled “Benchmark II—Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific standards that must be addressed in draft form during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner consults with the program on how to develop this section further for their Initial Accreditation Self-Study and Commissioner Visit III.

Format

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume II of the Benchmark II document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or non-compliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains drafts of the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains a draft of the student handbook, field manual, and any other supporting documentation.

3.4.4. Commissioner Visit II

The commission visitor’s primary task is to discuss the Benchmark II document and identify areas of compliance and noncompliance in the first part of the Benchmark II document. The visitor will also ask the program whether there have been any changes since the last visit and determine whether any of those changes affect the program’s compliance.

The visitor also reviews the draft standards in the second part of the Benchmark II document and identifies areas of further development that the program can use in writing the compliance section of the Initial Accreditation Self-Study.

Qualifications

Commissioner Visit II is conducted by a current or recently retired member of the COA. Commissioners have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and have been experienced site visitors prior to serving on the COA.

Selecting the Commission Visitor

The director of OSWA and site visit coordinator select a commissioner to make Commissioner Visit II. The commission visitor contacts the program to arrange a date for the visit and lets the site visit coordinator know when the visit will occur. Commissioner visits for programs on the February agenda take place between September 1 and November 15; on the June agenda, between December 1 and February 28; and on the October agenda, between March 1 and May 31.

Program Preparation for the Commissioner Visit

The program director should communicate with the commission visitor about arrangements such as travel plans, work space requirements in the hotel and on campus, and the schedule for the commissioner visit. The program’s chief administrator or designee should confirm all arrangements with the commission visitor in writing. Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets and should consult with the commission visitor about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times. Coach fare is expected. The program should also inform the commission visitor about transportation from the airport to the campus.

The commission visitor should be housed in a hotel, not in a dormitory or other campus housing. The program should make arrangements with the hotel to pay the bill, minus any of the commission visitor’s personal expenses, directly. Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that the commission visitor has a place to work on the Benchmark II Review Brief.

Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses for the commission visitor, and the program should inform the commission visitor how reimbursement for these expenses will be managed.

Communication Guidelines

The program director is the person responsible for all communication with the commission visitor. Faculty members, students, or others should not communicate with the commission visitor before the arrival on campus, nor after the arrival until the appointed time in the commissioner visit schedule. Constituent groups desiring to meet with the commission visitor should request that the program’s chief administrator arrange time on the commissioner visit agenda. It is inappropriate for the commission visitor to receive anonymous documents, telephone calls, or other similar information. The commission visitor is instructed to discuss any such incidents with the program’s chief administrator and to refuse written or verbal information that cannot be shared openly.

Commission Visitor Arrival

During the first evening the commission visitor works alone to prepare for the visit. The program director may meet with the commission visitor to extend a brief welcome, explain the schedule, answer any questions, and outline the arrangements to escort them to the campus. During the commissioner visit evenings are reserved for the commission visitor to work on the Benchmark II Review Brief and prepare for the exit interview. No social events should be planned for the commission visitor.

Meeting With the Institutional Administrators

The commissioner visit should begin with a meeting with the institution’s chief executive officer and other institutional administrators. The program director should escort the commission visitor to the office of the chief executive officer of the institution and, after introductions, permit the commission visitor to meet alone with the chief executive officer. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the accreditation process, learn more about the role and place of the program within the institution’s system, and answer questions from the president or chancellor. When it is impossible to meet with the institution’s chief executive officer, it is acceptable to meet with his or her designee.

Meetings With the Social Work Program

The schedule may also include meetings with the program director, faculty members, the director of the field practicum, field instructors, students, librarians, and other individuals whose presence is relevant (such as of faculty concerned with ethnic or gender issues) to Benchmark II.

The COA does not require or recommend dismissing classes during the commissioner visit. It is expected that the schedule be planned to permit participation by all constituents without disrupting the academic schedule.

Additional Materials

If the program provides additional information to the commission visitor during the visit, three copies of those materials must be sent to the program’s accreditation specialist or associate.

Exit Interview

The commission visitor holds an exit interview, open to the people who met with the commission visitor during the visit (institutional administrators, program leadership, faculty, students, and other constituencies) to convey the findings that will be in the Benchmark II Review Brief. The commission visitor then invites the participants to ask questions, comment on the findings, and/or correct any inaccuracies. The commission visitor may respond to questions but not make judgments of whether the program is in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, because that judgment rests with the COA.

The commission visitor should remind the program that the findings, along with the program’s response to the Benchmark II Review Brief, are reviewed by the COA before making a decision about compliance. The commission visitor should explicitly inform the institution and program that the COA will notify them of its decision about program compliance and concerns, and that it is possible that the COA’s analysis will differ from that of the commission visitor.

After the visit has concluded, contact between the program and commission visitor should end. If the program has additional questions or comments after the visit, the program should contact its accreditation specialist or associate.

Emergencies or Questions During the Commissioner Visit

DOSWA recognizes that scheduled visits may need to be delayed or cancelled due to special circumstances beyond the control of relevant parties. Examples of these special circumstances include inclement weather conditions, natural or manmade disasters, or changes to visitor’s or key personnel’s schedules due to unforeseen personal matters. As this list is not exhaustive, the visitor or program is encouraged to contact CSWE’s site visit coordinator to discuss special circumstances that may affect the completion of the visit. Cancelling or delaying a visit is an extenuating circumstance. Due to complexity in scheduling visits, cancellations and delays will be avoided whenever possible.

Should an emergency arise before the visit occurs requiring the visitor or program to delay or cancel the visit, CSWE’s site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. To inform the DOSWA of any delays or cancellations to a planned visit:

• The party (visitor or program) must immediately notify the site visit coordinator of the delay or cancellation along with the other party (visitor or program) via telephone and email 
• The program, visitor, and site Visitor Coordinator must communicate to determine the best course of action:
  • Delay visit
  • Reschedule visit with same visitor for a later date 
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for the original date
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for a later date

*If the program and visitor are unable to select a new visit date, the site visitor coordinator may work directly with the program to assign an alternate visitor if available. The delayed or rescheduled visit is based upon the alternate visitor’s availability.

Responsibility of Fees Incurred

The program will be responsible for any fees associated with the delayed or rescheduled the visit. Programs are advised to purchase refundable and transferrable transportation and accommodations to avoid incurring fees in the event of visit cancellation or delay.
 
Should an emergency arise during the visit requiring a visitor or program to leave the visit early, the site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. These occurrences will be handled on an individual basis. 

If the site visit coordinator is unavailable, the DOSWA director or accreditation specialist may be contacted. 

Questions During the Visit

Logistical questions related to visit, including concerns about boundary or ethical issues, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, or reimbursement* may be directed to the site visit coordinator. 
*Per policy 2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit, requesting visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the CSWE or the DOSWA.

Visitors or a program’s primary contact may contact the program’s accreditation specialist at any time to clarify an accreditation standard or the Commission on Accreditation’s policies or procedure, such as:

• Interpretation of an accreditation standard
• Clarification of the letter of instruction
• EPAS Handbook policies and procedures

If the site visit coordinator or accreditation specialist is unavailable, the DOSWA director may be contacted. 

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

3.4.5. Commission Visitor Completion of the Benchmark II Review Brief

The Benchmark II Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark II document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark II and to make a recommendation to the COA. Section 2 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark II. Section 3 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark II. The Compliance Statement column in either section lists the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements.

Commission Visitor Reporting of Findings

In the C/NC column of section 2 the commission visitor types “compliance” or “noncompliance” next to each compliance statement, to report how well the program meets and addresses each item. The commission visitor indicates her or his reasoning in the Comments column for any compliance statement marked noncompliance. In section 4 of the Benchmark II Review Brief the commission visitor recommends a decision to the COA, lists areas of noncompliance with the corresponding accreditation standard, and writes a brief discussion of the problem and how the program can fix it.

Information about when the Benchmark II Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy—2008 EPAS.

3.4.6. Program Response to the Benchmark II Review Brief

The program is required to submit a response to the Benchmark II Review Brief within 2 weeks of receiving the brief. The response must include the name and state of the program visited, the program level visited, the name of the commission visitor, and the date of the response.

The program should list each commissioner visit finding and clearly state whether it agrees or disagrees with the finding, correct any errors of fact, and clarify information it thinks may have been incorrectly understood by the commission visitor. Disagreements with the Benchmark II Review Brief visit should be stated clearly and additional documentation should be provided if necessary.

Information about when the program’s response to the Benchmark II Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

3.4.7. COA Decisions for Commissioner Visit II

After reviewing the program’s Benchmark II document, the Benchmark II Review Brief submitted by the commissioner making Commission Visit II (including the commissioner’s recommendation), and the program’s response to Benchmark II Review Brief, the COA makes one of three decisions:

1. Grant a Second Year of Candidacy Status. The COA finds that the program is in compliance with Benchmark II and grants the program a second year in candidacy. The decision letter instructs the program to prepare Benchmark III in preparation for its Commissioner Visit III. A commissioner will contact the program to arrange the visit.
2. Defer a Decision on a Second Year of Candidacy Status and Request Clarifying Information. The COA decides to defer a decision when the program’s documentation is insufficient to make a decision. A deferral is for one meeting only. Before the next commission meeting the program is expected to submit the documentation or clarification necessary for the COA to make a decision.
3. Remove From Candidacy Status. A program is removed from candidacy status if the COA finds the program’s Benchmark II document to be inadequate. The program has two options in response to the decision: (1) to accept the decision and apply for candidacy by submitting a Benchmark I document or (2) to appeal by requesting a reconsideration of the decision. The program must notify its accreditation specialist or associate in writing which option it intends to pursue. If the program accepts the decision, it may submit a Benchmark I document and apply for candidacy status no earlier than the second COA meeting following the one at which the COA made its decision.

3.1. Introduction to Candidacy

The candidacy process is a developmental approach to beginning a social work program. Following submission of the Candidacy Eligibility Application, programs begin to develop a series of benchmark documents. The benchmark model is a systematic, incremental approach to developing a social work program and writing a comprehensive self-study. Programs may read more about the candidacy process and benchmark model in section 3 of the EPAS Handbook.
Programs interested in submitting the Candidacy Eligibility Application should contact the Director of Accreditation.

3.1.1 Benchmark Model

3.2. Benchmark Model

3.2.1 Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements

The COA uses the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements as a guide to consistent and complete review of a program’s candidacy or reaffirmation of accreditation. Statements of compliance, concern, and noncompliance are provided for each accreditation standard (AS) and related educational policy (EP).

Each benchmark has a corresponding Benchmark Review Brief form that lists the accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with and the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements. The commission visitor uses the brief to evaluate the program’s compliance with the benchmark and make a recommendation to the COA.

3.2.2 Timetable for Candidacy

The Timetable for Candidacy provides a detailed chronological list of accreditation fees, materials, and activities with the deadline, number and kind of copies needed, and who should receive them as the program progresses through the steps of obtaining candidacy, completing candidacy, and receiving initial accreditation.

There are three versions of the Timetable for Candidacy with dates that correspond to the February, June, and October COA meetings held each year. Once the program has been assigned an agenda, select the corresponding Timetable for Candidacy (February, June, October) on the Candidacy section of the Web site, then go to the last row of the first page and insert the year the program will be reviewed for candidacy in the middle column next to “Commission Review for Candidacy”. That is when the COA will decide whether the program is in compliance with Benchmark I and whether the program should be granted candidacy status. From there, work up to the top of the page and fill in the year for each step in the candidacy process. Contact your accreditation specialist  if you have any questions or need assistance.

3.2.3 Candidacy Policies

Student Admission

Only students admitted during or after the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy will be recognized as having graduated from an accredited program, once the program is fully accredited. Students admitted prior to the academic year in which the program was granted candidacy will not be recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited social work education program, regardless of the program's accredited status when they graduate.

Foundation Content and Advanced Content for MSW Programs

Programs in candidacy must develop and offer foundation content and advanced content for the master’s program. They cannot offer an advanced-standing only program.

Delivery of the Curriculum

All means of delivery of the curriculum (part-time, distance education off-site or online), being implemented currently or planned in the near future, should be included in the Benchmark I document.

Failure to Submit

If a program fails to submit a Benchmark document by the due date, COA may remove the program from candidacy or deny initial accreditation.

3.3.1 Overview of Applying for Candidacy Status

The program submits a Letter of Institutional Intent, the Candidacy Eligibility Fee, and a Candidacy Eligibility Application form with supporting materials. The director of the Office of Social Work Accreditation (OSWA) assigns an accreditation specialist to review the submission. When the specialist  approves the Letter of Institutional Intent and Candidacy Eligibility Application, the program is asked to submit a Draft Benchmark I document. The accreditation specialist reviews the Draft Benchmark I document and works with the program to make certain it has fully addressed all of the requirements of the Draft Benchmark I. After approving the Draft Benchmark I document, the specialist recommends that the director of OSWA arrange Commissioner Visit I. The date of Draft Benchmark I approval determines the program’s agenda date (February, June, October).

3.3.2. Letter of Institutional Intent

3.3.3. Candidacy Eligibility Application

The Candidacy Eligibility Application form lists each eligibility standard, asks a series of simple questions, and/or requires the submission of materials to determine compliance.

Information about when the Candidacy Eligibility Application is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

Eligibility Standard 1

The review of the social work program by the Commission on Accreditation is authorized by the chief executive officer of the institution.

Eligibility Standard 2

The program is located in an educational institution recognized by a regional accrediting body approved by the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation.

Eligibility Standard 3

The institution must be legally organized and authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution under the laws of the relevant state. The program has been approved by the appropriate higher education authorities.

Eligibility Standard 4

The institution has a written affirmative action policy, plan or program, and procedures, and a stated policy against discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, ethnic or national origin, disability, or age. The institution complies with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Eligibility Standard 5

The institution has appointed a chief administrator who has demonstrated leadership ability through teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, and other academic and professional activities in the field of social work.

At the baccalaureate level, the social work program director who is the chief administrator, or the designee of the chief administrator, has a master’s of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program with a doctoral degree preferred.

At the master’s level, the social work program director who is the chief administrator has a master’s of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.  In addition, it is preferred that the master’s program director have a doctoral degree.

Eligibility Standard 6

The institution documents sufficient and firm institutional supports to create, build, and maintain the social work program. Include faculty, staff, budget, and other resources necessary to build and maintain the program.

3.3.4. Progressing to Benchmark I

The Letter of Institutional Intent and Candidacy Eligibility Application must be approved by an accreditation specialist before Benchmark I is submitted. Once the letter of intent and application are approved, the program will receive a letter regarding the next step, which is the submission of the Benchmark I document for initial review and approval.

3.3.5. Writing the Benchmark I Document

The Benchmark I document should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Section 1-Compliance Accreditation Standards

The first section of volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the first portion of Benchmark I. This portion of Benchmark I, labeled “Benchmark I—Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with during Commissioner Visit I. The commissioner uses this section to make a recommendation to the full COA.

Section 2-Draft Accreditation Standards

The second section of volume 1 contains a series of draft narratives that address the second portion of Benchmark I. This portion of Benchmark I, which is shaded and labeled “Benchmark I—Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific standards that must be addressed in draft form during Commissioner Visit I. The commissioner consults with the program on how to develop this section further for their Benchmark II document and Commissioner Visit II.

Format

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume I of the Benchmark I document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains drafts of the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains a draft of the student handbook and any other supporting documentation.

Submission of the Draft and Final Benchmark I Document

The program submits a draft Benchmark I document to their accreditation specialist or associate for review and approval per the instructions in the Candidacy Eligibility Approval Letter. This ensures that the program is progressing appropriately. The final version of the Benchmark I document is submitted 1 month before the commissioner visit; see the Timetable for Candidacy—2008 EPAS for submission instructions.

3.3.6. Program Completion of the Benchmark I Review Brief

The Benchmark I Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark I document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark I and to make a recommendation to COA. In the Location column of sections 2 and 3, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement is addressed in the program’s Benchmark I document. See the Timetable for Candidacy for submission instructions.

3.3.7. Commissioner Visit I

The commission visitor’s primary task is to discuss the Benchmark I document and identify areas of compliance and noncompliance with the first portion of Benchmark I. The visitor also reviews the draft standards in the second portion of Benchmark I and identifies areas of further development that the program can use in writing the compliance section of Benchmark II.

Qualifications

Commissioner Visit I is conducted by a current member of the COA. Commissioners have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and have been experienced site visitors prior to serving on the COA.

Selecting the Commission Visitor

The director of OSWA and site visit coordinator select a commissioner to make Commissioner Visit I after the program’s accreditation specialist or associate approves the Benchmark I document. The date the Benchmark I document is approved determines when (February, June, or October) the program will be reviewed for candidacy status. The commission visitor contacts the program to arrange a date for the visit and lets the site visit coordinator know when the visit will occur. Commissioner visits for programs on the February agenda take place between September 1 and November 15, on the June agenda between December 1 and February 28, and on the October agenda between March 1 and May 31.

Program Preparation for the Commissioner Visit

The program director should communicate with the commission visitor about arrangements such as travel plans, work space requirements in the hotel and on campus, and the schedule for the commissioner visit. The program’s chief administrator or designee should confirm all arrangements with the commission visitor in writing. Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets and should consult with the commission visitor about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times. Coach fare is expected. The program should also inform the commission visitor about transportation from the airport to the campus.

The commission visitor should be housed in a hotel, not in a dormitory or other campus housing. The program should make arrangements with the hotel to pay the bill, minus any of the commission visitor’s personal expenses, directly. Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that the commission visitor has a place to work on the Benchmark I Review Brief.

Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses for the commission visitor, and the program should inform the commission visitor how reimbursement for these expenses will be managed.

Communication Guidelines

The program director is the person responsible for all communication with the commission visitor. Faculty members, students, or others should not communicate with the commission visitor before the arrival on campus, nor after the arrival until the appointed time in the commissioner visit schedule. Constituent groups desiring to meet with the commission visitor should request that the program’s chief administrator arrange time on the commissioner visit agenda. It is inappropriate for the commission visitor to receive anonymous documents, telephone calls, or other similar information. The commission visitor is instructed to discuss any such incidents with the program’s chief administrator and to refuse written or verbal information that cannot be shared openly.

Commission Visitor Arrival

During the first evening the commission visitor works alone to prepare for the visit. The program director may meet with the commission visitor to extend a brief welcome, explain the schedule, answer any questions, and outline the arrangements to escort them to the campus. During the commissioner visit, evenings are reserved for the commission visitor to work on the Benchmark I Review Brief and prepare for the exit interview. No social events should be planned for the commission visitor.

Meeting With the Institutional Administrators

The commissioner visit should begin with a meeting with the institution’s chief executive officer and other institutional administrators. The program director should escort the commission visitor to the office of the chief executive officer of the institution and, after introductions, permit the commission visitor to meet alone with the chief executive officer. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the accreditation process, learn more about the role and place of the program within the institution’s system, and answer questions from the president or chancellor. When it is impossible to meet with the institution’s chief executive officer, it is acceptable to meet with his or her designee.

Meetings With the Social Work Program

The schedule may also include meetings with the program director, faculty members, the director of the field practicum, field instructors, students, librarians, and other individuals whose presence is relevant (such as faculty concerned with ethnic or gender issues) to Benchmark I.

The COA does not require or recommend dismissing classes during the commissioner visit. It is expected that the schedule be planned to permit participation by all constituents without disrupting the academic schedule.

Additional Materials

If the program provides additional information to the commission visitor during the visit, three copies of those materials must be sent to the program’s accreditation specialist or associate.

Exit Interview

The commission visitor holds an exit interview, open to the people who met with the commission visitor during the visit (institutional administrators, program leadership, faculty, students, and other constituencies) to convey the findings that will be in the Benchmark I Review Brief. The commission visitor then invites the participants to ask questions, comment on the findings, and/or correct any inaccuracies. The commission visitor may respond to questions but not make judgments of whether the program is in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, because that judgment rests with the COA.

The commission visitor should remind the program that the findings, along with the program’s response to the Benchmark I Review Brief, are reviewed by the COA before making a decision about compliance. The commission visitor should explicitly inform the institution and program that the COA will notify them of its decision about program compliance and concerns, and that it is possible that the COA’s analysis will differ from that of the commission visitor.

After the visit has concluded, contact between the program and commission visitor should end. If the program has additional questions or comments after the visit, the program should contact its accreditation specialist or associate.

Emergencies or Questions During the Commissioner Visit

DOSWA recognizes that scheduled visits may need to be delayed or cancelled due to special circumstances beyond the control of relevant parties. Examples of these special circumstances include inclement weather conditions, natural or manmade disasters, or changes to visitor’s or key personnel’s schedules due to unforeseen personal matters. As this list is not exhaustive, the visitor or program is encouraged to contact CSWE’s site visit coordinator to discuss special circumstances that may affect the completion of the visit. Cancelling or delaying a visit is an extenuating circumstance. Due to complexity in scheduling visits, cancellations and delays will be avoided whenever possible.

Should an emergency arise before the visit occurs requiring the visitor or program to delay or cancel the visit, CSWE’s site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. To inform the DOSWA of any delays or cancellations to a planned visit:

• The party (visitor or program) must immediately notify the site visit coordinator of the delay or cancellation along with the other party (visitor or program) via telephone and email 
• The program, visitor, and site Visitor Coordinator must communicate to determine the best course of action:
  • Delay visit
  • Reschedule visit with same visitor for a later date 
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for the original date
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for a later date

*If the program and visitor are unable to select a new visit date, the site visitor coordinator may work directly with the program to assign an alternate visitor if available. The delayed or rescheduled visit is based upon the alternate visitor’s availability.

Responsibility of Fees Incurred

The program will be responsible for any fees associated with the delayed or rescheduled the visit. Programs are advised to purchase refundable and transferrable transportation and accommodations to avoid incurring fees in the event of visit cancellation or delay.
 
Should an emergency arise during the visit requiring a visitor or program to leave the visit early, the site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. These occurrences will be handled on an individual basis. 

If the site visit coordinator is unavailable, the DOSWA director or accreditation specialist may be contacted. 

Questions During the Visit

Logistical questions related to visit, including concerns about boundary or ethical issues, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, or reimbursement* may be directed to the site visit coordinator. 
*Per policy 2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit, requesting visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the CSWE or the DOSWA.

Visitors or a program’s primary contact may contact the program’s accreditation specialist at any time to clarify an accreditation standard or the Commission on Accreditation’s policies or procedure, such as:

• Interpretation of an accreditation standard
• Clarification of the letter of instruction
• EPAS Handbook policies and procedures

If the site visit coordinator or accreditation specialist is unavailable, the DOSWA director may be contacted. 

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

3.3.8. Commission Visitor Completion of the Benchmark I Review Brief

The Benchmark I Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark I document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark I and make a recommendation to the COA. Section 2 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark I. Section 3 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark I. The Compliance Statement column in each section lists the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements.

Commission Visitor Reporting of Findings

In the C/NC column of section 2 the commission visitor types “compliance” or “noncompliance” next to each compliance statement to report how well the program meets and addresses each item. The commission visitor indicates her or his reasoning in the Comments column for any compliance statement marked noncompliance. In section 4 of the Benchmark I Review Brief the commission visitor recommends a decision to the COA, lists areas of noncompliance with the corresponding accreditation standard, and writes a brief discussion of the problem and how the program can fix it.

Information about when the Benchmark I Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

3.3.9. Program Response to the Benchmark I Review Brief

The program is required to submit a response to the Benchmark I Review Brief within 2 weeks of receiving the brief. The response must include the name and state of the program visited, the program level visited, the name of the commission visitor, and the date of the response.

The program should list each commissioner visit finding and clearly state whether it agrees or disagrees with the finding, correct any errors of fact, and clarify information the program thinks may have been incorrectly understood by the commission visitor. Disagreements with the Benchmark I Review Brief visit should be stated clearly and additional documentation should be provided if necessary.

Information about when the program’s response to the Benchmark I Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

3.3.10. COA Decisions for Commissioner Visit I

After reviewing the program’s Benchmark I document, the Benchmark I Review Brief submitted by the commissioner making Commission Visit I (including the commissioner’s recommendation), and the program’s response to the Benchmark I Review Brief, the COA makes one of three decisions:

1. Grant Candidacy Status. The COA finds that the program is in compliance with Benchmark I and grants the program candidacy status. The decision letter instructs the program to prepare Benchmark II in preparation for its Commissioner Visit II. A commissioner will contact the program to arrange the visit.
2. Defer a Decision on Candidacy Status to the Next Meeting and Request Clarifying Information. The COA decides to defer a decision when the program’s documentation is insufficient to make a decision. A deferral is for one meeting only. Before the next commission meeting the program is expected to submit the documentation or clarification necessary for the COA to make a decision.
3. Deny Candidacy Status. A program is denied candidacy if the COA finds the program’s Benchmark I document to be inadequate. The program has two options in response to the decision: (1) to accept the decision and apply for candidacy by submitting a Benchmark I document or (2) to appeal by requesting a reconsideration of the decision. The program must notify their accreditation specialist or associate in writing which option it intends to pursue. If the program accepts the decision it may submit a Benchmark I document and apply for candidacy status no earlier than the second COA meeting following the one at which the COA made its decision.

3.4.1. Writing the Benchmark II Document

The Benchmark II document should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Section 1-Compliance Accreditation Standards

The first section of volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the first portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, labeled “Benchmark II—Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner uses this section to make a recommendation to the full COA.

Section 2-Draft Accreditation Standards

The second section of volume 1 contains a series of draft narratives that address the second portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, which is shaded and labeled “Benchmark II--Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific standards that must be addressed in draft form during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner consults with the program on how to develop this section further for their Benchmark III document and Commissioner Visit III.

Format

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume I of the Benchmark II document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains a draft of the field education manual, the final version of the student handbook, and any other supporting documentation.

Submission of the Benchmark II Document

The Benchmark II Document is submitted 1 month before the commissioner visit (see the Timetable for Candidacy for submission instructions).

3.4.2. Program Completion of the Benchmark II Review Brief

The Benchmark II Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark II document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark II and to make a recommendation to the COA. In the Location column of sections 2 and 3, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement is addressed in the program’s Benchmark II document. See the Timetable for Candidacy for submission instructions.

3.4.3. Benchmark II

The Benchmark II document should be divided into three volumes as described below.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Section 1-Compliance Accreditation Standards

The first section of volume 1 contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the first portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, labeled “Benchmark II—Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner uses this section to make a recommendation to the full COA.

Section 2-Draft Accreditation Standards

The second section of volume 1 contains a series of draft narratives that address the second portion of Benchmark II. This portion of Benchmark II, which is shaded and labeled “Benchmark II—Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards,” consists of specific standards that must be addressed in draft form during Commissioner Visit II. The commissioner consults with the program on how to develop this section further for their Initial Accreditation Self-Study and Commissioner Visit III.

Format

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume II of the Benchmark II document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why the COA would cite either as an area of concern or non-compliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains drafts of the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains a draft of the student handbook, field manual, and any other supporting documentation.

3.4.4. Commissioner Visit II

The commission visitor’s primary task is to discuss the Benchmark II document and identify areas of compliance and noncompliance in the first part of the Benchmark II document. The visitor will also ask the program whether there have been any changes since the last visit and determine whether any of those changes affect the program’s compliance.

The visitor also reviews the draft standards in the second part of the Benchmark II document and identifies areas of further development that the program can use in writing the compliance section of the Initial Accreditation Self-Study.

Qualifications

Commissioner Visit II is conducted by a current or recently retired member of the COA. Commissioners have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and have been experienced site visitors prior to serving on the COA.

Selecting the Commission Visitor

The director of OSWA and site visit coordinator select a commissioner to make Commissioner Visit II. The commission visitor contacts the program to arrange a date for the visit and lets the site visit coordinator know when the visit will occur. Commissioner visits for programs on the February agenda take place between September 1 and November 15; on the June agenda, between December 1 and February 28; and on the October agenda, between March 1 and May 31.

Program Preparation for the Commissioner Visit

The program director should communicate with the commission visitor about arrangements such as travel plans, work space requirements in the hotel and on campus, and the schedule for the commissioner visit. The program’s chief administrator or designee should confirm all arrangements with the commission visitor in writing. Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets and should consult with the commission visitor about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times. Coach fare is expected. The program should also inform the commission visitor about transportation from the airport to the campus.

The commission visitor should be housed in a hotel, not in a dormitory or other campus housing. The program should make arrangements with the hotel to pay the bill, minus any of the commission visitor’s personal expenses, directly. Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that the commission visitor has a place to work on the Benchmark II Review Brief.

Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses for the commission visitor, and the program should inform the commission visitor how reimbursement for these expenses will be managed.

Communication Guidelines

The program director is the person responsible for all communication with the commission visitor. Faculty members, students, or others should not communicate with the commission visitor before the arrival on campus, nor after the arrival until the appointed time in the commissioner visit schedule. Constituent groups desiring to meet with the commission visitor should request that the program’s chief administrator arrange time on the commissioner visit agenda. It is inappropriate for the commission visitor to receive anonymous documents, telephone calls, or other similar information. The commission visitor is instructed to discuss any such incidents with the program’s chief administrator and to refuse written or verbal information that cannot be shared openly.

Commission Visitor Arrival

During the first evening the commission visitor works alone to prepare for the visit. The program director may meet with the commission visitor to extend a brief welcome, explain the schedule, answer any questions, and outline the arrangements to escort them to the campus. During the commissioner visit evenings are reserved for the commission visitor to work on the Benchmark II Review Brief and prepare for the exit interview. No social events should be planned for the commission visitor.

Meeting With the Institutional Administrators

The commissioner visit should begin with a meeting with the institution’s chief executive officer and other institutional administrators. The program director should escort the commission visitor to the office of the chief executive officer of the institution and, after introductions, permit the commission visitor to meet alone with the chief executive officer. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the accreditation process, learn more about the role and place of the program within the institution’s system, and answer questions from the president or chancellor. When it is impossible to meet with the institution’s chief executive officer, it is acceptable to meet with his or her designee.

Meetings With the Social Work Program

The schedule may also include meetings with the program director, faculty members, the director of the field practicum, field instructors, students, librarians, and other individuals whose presence is relevant (such as of faculty concerned with ethnic or gender issues) to Benchmark II.

The COA does not require or recommend dismissing classes during the commissioner visit. It is expected that the schedule be planned to permit participation by all constituents without disrupting the academic schedule.

Additional Materials

If the program provides additional information to the commission visitor during the visit, three copies of those materials must be sent to the program’s accreditation specialist or associate.

Exit Interview

The commission visitor holds an exit interview, open to the people who met with the commission visitor during the visit (institutional administrators, program leadership, faculty, students, and other constituencies) to convey the findings that will be in the Benchmark II Review Brief. The commission visitor then invites the participants to ask questions, comment on the findings, and/or correct any inaccuracies. The commission visitor may respond to questions but not make judgments of whether the program is in compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, because that judgment rests with the COA.

The commission visitor should remind the program that the findings, along with the program’s response to the Benchmark II Review Brief, are reviewed by the COA before making a decision about compliance. The commission visitor should explicitly inform the institution and program that the COA will notify them of its decision about program compliance and concerns, and that it is possible that the COA’s analysis will differ from that of the commission visitor.

After the visit has concluded, contact between the program and commission visitor should end. If the program has additional questions or comments after the visit, the program should contact its accreditation specialist or associate.

Emergencies or Questions During the Commissioner Visit

DOSWA recognizes that scheduled visits may need to be delayed or cancelled due to special circumstances beyond the control of relevant parties. Examples of these special circumstances include inclement weather conditions, natural or manmade disasters, or changes to visitor’s or key personnel’s schedules due to unforeseen personal matters. As this list is not exhaustive, the visitor or program is encouraged to contact CSWE’s site visit coordinator to discuss special circumstances that may affect the completion of the visit. Cancelling or delaying a visit is an extenuating circumstance. Due to complexity in scheduling visits, cancellations and delays will be avoided whenever possible.

Should an emergency arise before the visit occurs requiring the visitor or program to delay or cancel the visit, CSWE’s site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. To inform the DOSWA of any delays or cancellations to a planned visit:

• The party (visitor or program) must immediately notify the site visit coordinator of the delay or cancellation along with the other party (visitor or program) via telephone and email 
• The program, visitor, and site Visitor Coordinator must communicate to determine the best course of action:
  • Delay visit
  • Reschedule visit with same visitor for a later date 
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for the original date
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for a later date

*If the program and visitor are unable to select a new visit date, the site visitor coordinator may work directly with the program to assign an alternate visitor if available. The delayed or rescheduled visit is based upon the alternate visitor’s availability.

Responsibility of Fees Incurred

The program will be responsible for any fees associated with the delayed or rescheduled the visit. Programs are advised to purchase refundable and transferrable transportation and accommodations to avoid incurring fees in the event of visit cancellation or delay.
 
Should an emergency arise during the visit requiring a visitor or program to leave the visit early, the site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. These occurrences will be handled on an individual basis. 

If the site visit coordinator is unavailable, the DOSWA director or accreditation specialist may be contacted. 

Questions During the Visit

Logistical questions related to visit, including concerns about boundary or ethical issues, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, or reimbursement* may be directed to the site visit coordinator. 
*Per policy 2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit, requesting visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the CSWE or the DOSWA.

Visitors or a program’s primary contact may contact the program’s accreditation specialist at any time to clarify an accreditation standard or the Commission on Accreditation’s policies or procedure, such as:

• Interpretation of an accreditation standard
• Clarification of the letter of instruction
• EPAS Handbook policies and procedures

If the site visit coordinator or accreditation specialist is unavailable, the DOSWA director may be contacted. 

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

3.4.5. Commission Visitor Completion of the Benchmark II Review Brief

The Benchmark II Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Benchmark II document and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Benchmark II and to make a recommendation to the COA. Section 2 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Compliance with the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark II. Section 3 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy under “Draft of the Following Accreditation Standards” in Benchmark II. The Compliance Statement column in either section lists the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements.

Commission Visitor Reporting of Findings

In the C/NC column of section 2 the commission visitor types “compliance” or “noncompliance” next to each compliance statement, to report how well the program meets and addresses each item. The commission visitor indicates her or his reasoning in the Comments column for any compliance statement marked noncompliance. In section 4 of the Benchmark II Review Brief the commission visitor recommends a decision to the COA, lists areas of noncompliance with the corresponding accreditation standard, and writes a brief discussion of the problem and how the program can fix it.

Information about when the Benchmark II Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy—2008 EPAS.

3.4.6. Program Response to the Benchmark II Review Brief

The program is required to submit a response to the Benchmark II Review Brief within 2 weeks of receiving the brief. The response must include the name and state of the program visited, the program level visited, the name of the commission visitor, and the date of the response.

The program should list each commissioner visit finding and clearly state whether it agrees or disagrees with the finding, correct any errors of fact, and clarify information it thinks may have been incorrectly understood by the commission visitor. Disagreements with the Benchmark II Review Brief visit should be stated clearly and additional documentation should be provided if necessary.

Information about when the program’s response to the Benchmark II Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

3.4.7. COA Decisions for Commissioner Visit II

After reviewing the program’s Benchmark II document, the Benchmark II Review Brief submitted by the commissioner making Commission Visit II (including the commissioner’s recommendation), and the program’s response to Benchmark II Review Brief, the COA makes one of three decisions:

1. Grant a Second Year of Candidacy Status. The COA finds that the program is in compliance with Benchmark II and grants the program a second year in candidacy. The decision letter instructs the program to prepare Benchmark III in preparation for its Commissioner Visit III. A commissioner will contact the program to arrange the visit.
2. Defer a Decision on a Second Year of Candidacy Status and Request Clarifying Information. The COA decides to defer a decision when the program’s documentation is insufficient to make a decision. A deferral is for one meeting only. Before the next commission meeting the program is expected to submit the documentation or clarification necessary for the COA to make a decision.
3. Remove From Candidacy Status. A program is removed from candidacy status if the COA finds the program’s Benchmark II document to be inadequate. The program has two options in response to the decision: (1) to accept the decision and apply for candidacy by submitting a Benchmark I document or (2) to appeal by requesting a reconsideration of the decision. The program must notify its accreditation specialist or associate in writing which option it intends to pursue. If the program accepts the decision, it may submit a Benchmark I document and apply for candidacy status no earlier than the second COA meeting following the one at which the COA made its decision.

4.1. Introduction

Italicized documents or forms in this section can be found on the Candidacy section of the CSWE Web site.

4.1.1. Benchmark Model and Initial Accreditation Overview

4.1.2. Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements

The COA uses the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements as a guide to consistent and complete review of a program’s candidacy or reaffirmation of accreditation. Statements of compliance, concern, and noncompliance are provided for each accreditation standard (AS) and related educational policy (EP).

Each benchmark has a corresponding Benchmark Review Brief form that lists the accreditation standards the program must be in compliance with and the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements. The commission visitor uses the brief to evaluate the program’s compliance with the benchmark and make a recommendation to the COA.

4.1.3. Timetable for Candidacy

The Timetable for Candidacy provides a detailed chronological list of accreditation fees, materials, and activities, with the deadline, number and kind of copies needed, and who should receive them as the program progresses through obtaining candidacy, completing candidacy, and receiving initial accreditation. Be sure to use the timetables marked 2008 EPAS

There are three versions of the Timetable for Candidacy with dates that correspond to the February, June, and October COA meetings held each year. Once the program has been assigned an agenda, select the corresponding Timetable for Candidacy (February, June, October) on the Web site, then go to the last row of the first page and insert the year the program was reviewed for candidacy in the middle column next to ”Commission Review for Candidacy.” That is when the COA decided whether the program was in compliance with Benchmark I and whether it should be granted candidacy. From there, work up to the top of the page and fill in the year for each step in the candidacy process. Contact your accreditation specialist if you have any questions or need assistance.

4.1.4. Candidacy Policies

Student Admission

Only students admitted during or after the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy will be recognized as having graduated from an accredited program, once the program is fully accredited. Students admitted prior to the academic year in which the program was granted candidacy will not be recognized as having graduated from a CSWE-accredited social work education program, regardless of the program's accredited status when they graduate.

Foundation Content and Advanced Content for MSW Programs

Programs in candidacy must develop and offer both generalist and specialized content for the master’s program. They cannot offer an advanced-standing only program.

Delivery of the Curriculum

All means of delivery of the curriculum being implemented, currently or planned in the near future, should be included in the Benchmark I document.

Failure to Submit

If a program fails to submit a Benchmark document by the due date, the COA may remove the program from candidacy or deny initial accreditation.

4.2.1. Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application

Initial accreditation eligibility standards 1 through 6 are the same as candidacy eligibility standards 1 through 6. Rather than writing the same material a second time, the program reviews the Candidacy Eligibility Application, submitted when applying for candidacy, to assess whether any of the information has changed. If there are changes the program submits updated Candidacy Eligibility Application and Authorization of Program Review forms.

The rest of the initial accreditation eligibility standards are different for baccalaureate and master’s programs and require different documentation, as noted in the standards and on the Baccalaureate Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application and Master’s Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application forms. Both forms list each eligibility standard, ask a series of simple questions, and/or require the submission of materials to determine compliance.

Information about when the Initial Accreditation Eligibility Application is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

4.2.2. Baccalaureate Initial Accreditation Eligibility Standards

Eligibility Standards 1–6

When the program applied for candidacy it submitted a Candidacy Eligibility Application and Authorization of Program Review form. The Candidacy Eligibility Application required the program to address six eligibility standards. To determine eligibility for initial accreditation, the program is required to review the six eligibility standards it addressed in the Candidacy Eligibility Application for changes that may have occurred. If there have been any changes, the program must submit updated Candidacy Eligibility Application and Authorization of Program Review forms.

Eligibility Standard 7

The institution identifies and describes the social work program in its catalog or similar publication. Program purposes and requirements are specified. The same document specifies the educational level of the program for which CSWE accreditation has been received or is being sought.

Eligibility Standard 8

The institutional transcript for students who complete the accredited social work program confirms that a major in social work was completed and a baccalaureate degree awarded.

4.2.3. Master's Initial Accreditation Eligibility Standards

Eligibility Standards 1–6

When the program applied for candidacy it submitted a Candidacy Eligibility Application and Authorization of Program Review form. The Candidacy Eligibility Application required the program to address six eligibility standards. To determine eligibility for initial accreditation, the program is required to review the six eligibility standards it addressed in the Candidacy Eligibility Application for changes that may have occurred. If there have been any changes, the program must submit updated Candidacy Eligibility Application and Authorization of Program Review forms.

Eligibility Standard 7

The institution identifies and describes the program in its catalog or similar publication. Program purposes and requirements are specified. The same document specifies the educational level of the program for which CSWE accreditation has been received or is being sought.

Eligibility Standard 8

The educational institution provides its organizational chart to document the position of the social work program in the governance structure of the institution and to demonstrate its comparable position relative to other professional education programs offered by the institution.

Eligibility Standard 9

The institution must ensure that the master’s program in social work can be completed in two calendar years of full-time study. To meet requirements for the master’s degree a program may also provide a maximum of four calendar years of structured part-time professional education, comprising all course work, papers or projects, and the field practicum.

4.3.1. Writing the Benchmark III Document

The Benchmark III document should be dived into three volumes as described below. Like the previous benchmarks, Volume I contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with EPAS. In the Benchmark III document however, the program assembles the narratives from the compliance sections of Benchmarks I, II, and III to create a self-study.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

1. Section One

Accreditation Review Brief. The Accreditation Review Brief should be included in the beginning of volume one. During Commissioner Visit III the Accreditation Review Brief is used as a tool for the commission visitor to locate content on each accreditation standard within the Initial Accreditation Self Study. In the Location column of section 2, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement for an accreditation standard is addressed. In section 1 the program completes identifying information. The rest of the form is not used by the program.

Narrative for Accreditation Standards in Benchmarks I and II. Review the narratives in the compliance portions of Benchmarks I and II for accuracy; update as necessary; and order them by AS (see Format for Volume 1 below). Complete the Program Expense Budget form and include it near the narrative for AS 3.5.1, as well as the Librarian’s Report form and include it near the narrative for AS 3.5.4

2. Section Two

Benchmark III Review Brief. The Benchmark III Review Brief should be included in the beginning of section two of the Benchmark III document. In the Location column of the brief in sections 2 and 3, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement is addressed.

Narrative for Accreditation Standards in Benchmark III. The rest of section two should be comprised of a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the remaining accreditation standards in Benchmark III (see Format for Volume 1 below).

Format for Volume 1

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume I of the Benchmark III document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains the field education manual, the student handbook, and any other supporting documentation not already included in Volume 1.

4.3.2. Program Completion of the Benchmark III Review Brief

The Initial Accreditation Self-Study should be divided into three volumes as described below. Like the previous benchmarks, Volume I contains a series of narratives that demonstrate the program’s compliance with the EPAS. In the Initial Accreditation Self-Study, however, the program assembles the narratives from the compliance sections of all Benchmarks to create a self-study.

Volume 1 – Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

Initial Accreditation Review Brief. The Initial Accreditation Review Brief should be included in the beginning of volume one. During Commissioner Visit III, the Initial Accreditation Review Brief is used as a tool for the commission visitor to locate content on each accreditation standard within the Initial Accreditation Self-Study.  In section 1, the program completes identifying information. In the Location column of sections 2 and 3, the program indicates the document name and page number where each compliance statement for an accreditation standard is addressed.

Review the narratives for accuracy; update as necessary; and order them by AS, following the order of the Initial Accreditation Review Brief. Complete the Faculty Summary Form and Faculty Data Forms and include them near AS 3.2.1; complete the Program Expense Budget form and include it near the narrative for AS 3.4.1; and complete the Librarian’s Report form and include it near the narrative for AS 3.4.4.

Format for Volume 1

Each accreditation standard should be addressed in a separate narrative headed by the number and full text of each standard for easy identification by the COA reader. Programs should refer to the compliance column of the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements while writing Volume I of the Benchmark III document. It explains the minimum requirements for completely and clearly meeting an accreditation standard and related educational policy and why COA would cite either as an area of concern or noncompliance.

Volume 2 – Syllabi

Volume two contains the program’s course syllabi.

Volume 3 – Supporting Documentation

Volume three is the appendix and contains the field education manual, the student handbook, and any other supporting documentation not already included in Volume 1.

4.4.1. Commission Visitor Qualifications and Selection

The commission visitor’s primary task is to discuss the Benchmark III document and identify areas of compliance and noncompliance. The visitor will also ask the program whether there have been any changes since the last visit and determine whether any of those changes affect the program’s compliance. The visitor also reviews the self-study and identifies areas of further development that the program can use in writing its next self-study.

Qualifications

Commissioner Visit III is conducted by a current or recently retired member of the COA. Commissioners have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and have been experienced site visitors prior to serving on the COA.

Selecting the Commission Visitor

The director of the Office of Social Work Accreditation and Educational Excellence (OSWA) and the site visit coordinator select a commissioner to make Commissioner Visit III. The commission visitor contacts the program to arrange a date for the visit and lets the site visit coordinator know when the visit will occur. Commissioner visits for programs on the February agenda take place between September 1 and November 15, on the June agenda between December 1 and February 28, and on the October agenda between March 1 and May 31.

4.4.2. Program Preparation for the Commissioner Visit

Travel and Accommodations

The program director should communicate with the commission visitor about arrangements such as travel plans, work space requirements in the hotel and on campus, and the schedule for the commissioner visit. The program’s chief administrator or designee should confirm all arrangements with the commission visitor in writing. Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets and should consult with the commission visitor about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times. Coach fare is expected. The program should also inform the commission visitor about transportation from the airport to the campus.

The commission visitor should be housed in a hotel, not in a dormitory or other campus housing. The program should make arrangements with the hotel to pay the bill, minus any personal expenses for the commission visitor, directly. Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that the commission visitor has a place to work on the Benchmark III Review Brief.

Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses for the commission visitor, and the program should inform the commission visitor how reimbursement for these expenses will be managed.

Communication Guidelines

The program director is responsible for all communication with the commission visitor. Faculty members, students, or others should not communicate with the commission visitor before the arrival on campus, nor after the arrival until the appointed time in the commissioner visit schedule. Constituent groups desiring to meet with the commission visitor should request that the program’s chief administrator arrange time on the commissioner visit agenda. It is inappropriate for the commission visitor to receive anonymous documents, telephone calls, or other similar information. The commission visitor is instructed to discuss any such incidents with the program’s chief administrator and to refuse written or verbal information that cannot be shared openly.

POLICY ON REIMBURSEMENT FOR OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES FOR SITE VISITOR/COMMISSIONER VISITS TO PROGRAMS FOREITHER CANDIDACY OR REAFFIRMATION PURPOSES

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Requesting site/commission visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the Council on Social Work Education or the Office of Social Work Accreditation.
• Site visitors and commissioner visitors are not employees of the Council on Social Work or of the program they visit, neither are they vendors selling products which would require a W-9 form. They are simply non-paid volunteers contributing their services to Social Work Programs so if they are uncomfortable completing the W-9 form, they are to submit their expenses to the site visit coordinator (sbell@cswe.org), our finance department will reimburse them and invoice the programs.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

 

4.4.3. Commissioner Visit Schedule

Commission Visitor Arrival

During the first evening the commission visitor works alone to prepare for the visit. The program director may meet with the commission visitor to extend a brief welcome, explain the schedule, answer any questions, and outline the arrangements to escort him or her to the campus. During the commissioner visit, evenings are reserved for the commission visitor to work on the Benchmark III Review Brief and prepare for the exit interview. No social events should be planned for the commission visitor.

Meeting With the Institutional Administrators

The commissioner visit should begin with a meeting with the institution’s chief executive officer and other institutional administrators. The program director should escort the commission visitor to the office of the chief executive officer of the institution and, after introductions, permit the commission visitor to meet alone with the chief executive officer. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the accreditation process, learn more about the role and place of the program within the institution’s system, and answer questions from the president or chancellor. When it is impossible to meet with the institution’s chief executive officer, it is acceptable to meet with his or her designee.

Meetings With the Social Work Program

The schedule may also include meetings with the program director, faculty members, the director of the field practicum, field instructors, students, librarians, and other individuals whose presence is relevant (such as of faculty concerned with ethnic or gender issues) to Benchmark III.

The COA does not require or recommend dismissing classes during the commissioner visit. It is expected that the schedule be planned to permit participation by all constituents without disrupting the academic schedule.

Additional Materials

If the program provides additional information to the commission visitor during the visit, three copies of those materials must be sent to the program’s accreditation specialist or associate.

Exit Interview

The commission visitor holds an exit interview, open to the people who met with the commission visitor during the visit (institutional administrators, program leadership, faculty, students, and other constituencies) to convey the findings that will be in the Benchmark III Review Brief. The commission visitor then invites the participants to ask questions, comment on the findings, and/or correct any inaccuracies.

The commission visitor may respond to questions but not make judgments of whether the program is in compliance with the educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, because that judgment rests with the COA. The commission visitor should remind the program that the findings, along with the program’s response to the Benchmark III Review Brief, are reviewed by COA before a decision is made about compliance. The commission visitor should explicitly inform the institution and program that the COA will notify them of its decision about program compliance and concerns, and that it is possible that the COA’s analysis will differ from that of the commission visitor.

After the visit has concluded, contact between the program and commission visitor should end. If the program has additional questions or comments after the visit, the program should contact its accreditation specialist.

4.4.4. Emergencies or Questions During the Visit

Emergencies or Questions During the Commissioner Visit

DOSWA recognizes that scheduled visits may need to be delayed or cancelled due to special circumstances beyond the control of relevant parties. Examples of these special circumstances include inclement weather conditions, natural or manmade disasters, or changes to visitor’s or key personnel’s schedules due to unforeseen personal matters. As this list is not exhaustive, the visitor or program is encouraged to contact CSWE’s site visit coordinator to discuss special circumstances that may affect the completion of the visit. Cancelling or delaying a visit is an extenuating circumstance. Due to complexity in scheduling visits, cancellations and delays will be avoided whenever possible.

Should an emergency arise before the visit occurs requiring the visitor or program to delay or cancel the visit, CSWE’s site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. To inform the DOSWA of any delays or cancellations to a planned visit:

• The party (visitor or program) must immediately notify the site visit coordinator of the delay or cancellation along with the other party (visitor or program) via telephone and email 
• The program, visitor, and site Visitor Coordinator must communicate to determine the best course of action:
  • Delay visit
  • Reschedule visit with same visitor for a later date 
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for the original date
  • Reschedule visit with an alternate visitor* for a later date

*If the program and visitor are unable to select a new visit date, the site visitor coordinator may work directly with the program to assign an alternate visitor if available. The delayed or rescheduled visit is based upon the alternate visitor’s availability.

Responsibility of Fees Incurred

The program will be responsible for any fees associated with the delayed or rescheduled the visit. Programs are advised to purchase refundable and transferrable transportation and accommodations to avoid incurring fees in the event of visit cancellation or delay.
 
Should an emergency arise during the visit requiring a visitor or program to leave the visit early, the site visit coordinator should be notified immediately via telephone and email. These occurrences will be handled on an individual basis. 

If the site visit coordinator is unavailable, the DOSWA director or accreditation specialist may be contacted. 

Questions During the Visit

Logistical questions related to visit, including concerns about boundary or ethical issues, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, or reimbursement* may be directed to the site visit coordinator. 
*Per policy 2.3.4. Program Preparation for the Site Visit, requesting visitors to complete W-9 forms in order to be reimbursed is not supported by the CSWE or the DOSWA.

Visitors or a program’s primary contact may contact the program’s accreditation specialist at any time to clarify an accreditation standard or the Commission on Accreditation’s policies or procedure, such as:

• Interpretation of an accreditation standard
• Clarification of the letter of instruction
• EPAS Handbook policies and procedures

If the site visit coordinator or accreditation specialist is unavailable, the DOSWA director may be contacted. 

Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

It is the policy of the Commission on Accreditation that:

• Programs are to provide prepaid airline tickets to site/commission visitors.
• Programs should consult with the site/commission visitors about the most convenient airline carrier and flight times.
• Programs should inform site/commission visitors about transportation from the airport to the hotel and campus.
• Programs should house site/commission visitors in hotels, not in dormitories or other campus housing.
• Programs should arrange for hotels to bill the program for site/commission visitors’ expenses minus  personal expenses.
• Hotel accommodations should be arranged so that site/commission visitors have a place to work on the site visit report.
• Ground transportation and meals not taken at the hotel are likely to be out-of-pocket expenses and programs should inform site/commission  visitors how reimbursement for these will be managed.

4.5.1. Commission Visitor Completion of the Benchmark III Review Brief

The Initial Accreditation Review Brief form is a tool used to guide the program in writing a complete Initial Accreditation Self-Study and by the commission visitor to review the program for compliance with Initial Accreditation and to make a recommendation to the COA. Section 2 lists each accreditation standard and related educational policy in the Initial Accreditation Self-Study. The Compliance Statement column lists the related compliance statement from the Compliance, Concern, and Noncompliance Statements.

Commission Visitor Reporting of Findings

In the C/NC column of section 2 the commission visitor types “compliance” or “noncompliance” next to each compliance statement to report how well the program meets and addresses each item. The commission visitor indicates her or his reasoning in the Comments column for any compliance statement marked “noncompliance.” In section 3 of the Benchmark III Review Brief the commission visitor recommends a decision to the COA, lists areas of noncompliance with the corresponding accreditation standard, and writes a brief discussion of the problem and how the program can fix it.

Information about when the Initial Accreditation Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

4.5.2. Program Response to the Benchmark III Review Brief

The program is required to submit a response to the Initial Accreditation Review Brief within two weeks of receiving the brief. The response must include the name and state of the program visited, the program level visited, the name of the commission visitor, and the date of the response.

The program should list each commissioner visit finding and clearly state whether it agrees or disagrees with the finding, correct any errors of fact, and clarify information it thinks may have been incorrectly understood by the commission visitor. Disagreements with the Initial Accreditation Review Brief visit should be stated clearly and additional documentation should be provided if necessary.

Information about when the program’s response to the Initial Accreditation Review Brief is due and where it should be sent is on the Timetable for Candidacy.

4.6.1. Initial Accreditation Decisions

After reviewing the program’s Initial Accreditation Self-Study and the Initial Accreditation Review Brief submitted by the commissioner who conducted Commission Visit III (including the commissioner’s recommendation) and the program’s response to the Initial Accreditation Review Brief, the COA makes one of five decisions:

1. Grant Initial Accreditation for 4 Years. The COA finds the program in compliance with all accreditation standards and educational policy and grants accreditation for 4 years.
2. Grant Initial Accreditation for 4 Years with a Progress Report to be Reviewed by the Program’s Accreditation Specialist or Associate. The COA finds the program in compliance with all educational policy and accreditation standards, but identifies one or more areas of concern that must be addressed in a progress report that the program’s accreditation specialist or associate will review. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of concern and a due date for the progress report.
3. Grant Initial Accreditation for 4 Years with a Progress Report to be Reviewed by the COA. The COA finds the program in compliance with all educational policy and accreditation standards, but identifies one or more areas of concern that must be addressed in a progress report that the COA will review. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of concern and a due date for the progress report.
4. Defer a Decision on Initial Accreditation to the Next Meeting and Request Clarifying Information. The COA decides to defer a decision when the program’s documentation is insufficient to make a decision. A deferral is for one meeting only. Before the next commission meeting the program is expected to submit the documentation or clarification necessary for the COA to make a decision.
5. Deny Initial Accreditation. The COA determines that the program is out of compliance with one or more educational policies and/or accreditation standards. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance. The program has two options in response to the decision: (1) accept the decision and apply for candidacy by submitting a Benchmark I document or (2) to appeal by requesting a reconsideration of the decision. If the program accepts the decision it may submit a Benchmark I document and apply for candidacy status no earlier than the second COA meeting following the one at which the COA made its decision.

4.6.2. First Progress Report Decisions

4.6.3. Second Progress Report Decisions

After hearing the accreditation specialist’s review of the first progress report or after reviewing the first progress report itself, the COA takes one of four actions, regardless of who reviewed the report:

1. Accept the Second Progress Report. All areas of concern were addressed in the progress report, and no further action by the program is required.
2. Place the Program on Conditional Accredited Status. If the second progress report is not accepted, the program is automatically placed on conditional accreditation. Placement on conditional status is an adverse decision, and programs may request reconsideration. If the program accepts the COA’s decision, it submits a restoration report.
3. Initiate Withdrawal of Accredited Status. The COA initiates withdrawal of accredited status if the program is found to be out of compliance with one or more educational policies or accreditation standards and the COA does not believe that noncompliance issues can be resolved within 1 year. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance and instructs the program to work with its accreditation specialist or associate to arrange for the graduation or transfer of its students and determine when the program’s accreditation will be withdrawn. The decision to initiate withdrawal of accredited status is an adverse one, and programs may request reconsideration. After its official withdrawal date a program may apply for candidacy status.
4. Order a Modified Site Visit. If the COA believes that a program may be out of compliance with one or more educational policies or accreditation standards, the COA can order a modified site visit to collect more information. A site visitor is sent at the program’s expense to review specific compliance issues. This program is reviewed at the next COA meeting after the site visit.

4.6.4. Restoration Report Decisions

When the program accepts the COA decision to place it on conditional accredited status or when the outcome of the reconsideration hearing is to uphold the COA decision (see reconsideration policy), the program must submit a restoration report. When the restoration report is received, the COA reviews it along with all previously submitted materials. The COA takes one of four actions:

1. Restore Accredited Status. The COA review of the program’s restoration report finds that the program has taken corrective action and is in compliance with all standards. No further action is required.
2. Restore Accredited Status and Request a Progress Report. The request includes a due date and indicates whether the report will be reviewed by the program’s accreditation specialist or associate and/or the COA.
3. Order a Modified Site Visit. A modified site visit is ordered when the restoration report fails to clarify program compliance. A site visitor is sent at the program’s expense to review specific issues. This program is reviewed at the next COA meeting following the site visit. After its review of the site visit report, the COA either returns the program to accredited status or initiates withdrawal of its accredited status.
4. Initiate Withdrawal of Accredited Status. The COA initiates withdrawal of accredited status if the program is found to be out of compliance with one or more standards and the program cannot take corrective action within 1 year. The COA’s letter identifies specific areas of noncompliance and instructs the program to work with its accreditation specialist or associate to determine the effective date of the withdrawal of accreditation. The decision to initiate withdrawal of accredited status is an adverse one, and the program may request reconsideration (see reconsideration policy).