Accreditation Process

Reaffirmation Process Overview Flow Chart

Preparation

Visit the Accreditation Scope and Services to learn more about the Department of Social Work Accreditation offerings.

Policies

Review policy 6. Reaffirmation in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn about the reaffirmation process.

Training

Attend 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) training for baccalaureate and master's programs hosted by CSWE staff members. Visit our training webpage for previous presentation slide decks and upcoming opportunities.

Formatting Guidelines: Required guidelines for formatting documents for submission to CSWE

Fees

Reaffirmation Fees and Related Expenses: List and explanation of fees related to the reaffirmation process for baccalaureate and master's programs.

Direct questions regarding accreditation fees to [email protected].
Direct questions regarding membership fees to [email protected].

Eligibility Materials

Reaffirmation Eligibility Application

This is the application for reaffirmation of accredited status for baccalaureate and master's programs. The program must demonstrate that its host institution can and will support and sustain a baccalaureate or master's social work program.

Reaffirmation Timetables

The following timetables guide baccalaureate and master's programs through the reaffirmation process. They include information such as deadlines and required documentation. To determine a program’s Board of Accreditation (BOA) agenda date, please contact the program’s Accreditation Specialist, or visit the Directory of Accredited Programs.

Dated Timetables:

Blank Timetables by Agenda:

Self-Study Materials

CSWE uses the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to accredit baccalaureate- and master’s-level social work programs.

Program Response & Report Templates

Site Visits

Site visits are an integral step of the reaffirmation process. During the site visit, programs host a site visitor and clarify outstanding questions from the CSWE Board of Accreditation (BOA). Site visitors operate under the authority of the CSWE-BOA and visit accredited social work programs to gather information related to the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) based on questions provided by the BOA.

Review policies 6.6 - 6.8 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook to learn more about reaffirmation site visits.

Site Visit Planning Form

Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning Form—June Agenda: This form is due June 1 for programs reviewed for reaffirmation of accreditation at the June Board of Accreditation Meeting with a self-study review at the preceding October BOA meeting.
Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning Form–October Agenda: This form is due October 1 for programs reviewed for reaffirmation of accreditation at the October Board of Accreditation Meeting with a self-study review at the preceding February BOA meeting
Reaffirmation Site Visit Planning Form—February Agenda: This form is due February 1 for programs reviewed for reaffirmation of accreditation at the February Board Accreditation Meeting with a self-study review at the preceding June BOA meeting.

Important Dates for Programs per Policy 6.6 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook

At least 60 days before the visit - The program must make contact with the site visitor and inquire about any accomodations needed
At least 30 days before the visit - The program has sent the self-study to the site visitor via email
At least 30 days before the visit - The program ensures travel is finalized for the visit (if applicable)
At least 30 days before the visit - The program and visitor agree upon a contingency plan for the visit, in case of emergency
At least 1 week before the visit - The program and visitor agree upon a site visit schedule

Letter of Instruction Samples:

Site Visit Schedule Samples:

Requesting an Extension or Timetable Change

A baccalaureate or master's program may request to delay its reaffirmation review. To request an extension, please submit this form to the program's accreditation specialist. For more information on agenda adjustments and postponements of reaffirmation review, please review policy 4.6 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook .

Program Changes

For more information on baccalaureate or master's program changes that take place between scheduled accreditation reviews, please review policy 4.9 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.

Use the Substantive Change Proposal Template to submit your substantive change proposal in order to add a program option (delivery method or location) where 51% or more of your baccalaureate or master's social work curriculum will be offered.

Use the Program Option Closure Form to notify CSWE of a program option closure (delivery method or location).

Accreditation Program Record Update Form must be submitted to notify CSWE of any of the following changes:

Key Personnel: Primary Contact, Program Director, Field Director, President/Chancellor, Optional Additional Program Designees
Program Mailing Address
Additional fields displayed on the Directory of Accredited Programs:
- Social Work Program Website URL Update
- Public Program Email Update
- Public Program Phone Number Update
- Assessment Data URL Update
- Update to EPAS the Program Operates Under
- Plan of Study Update
- Area of Specialized Practice Update
- Certificates Offered Update
- Dual-Degree Offered Update
- Degree-Completion Offered Update
- Logo Update
- Program Name Update
- Program Degree Title Update

Program Closure & Withdrawal of Accredited Status

Use the Program Closure & Withdrawal of Accredited Status Form to formally close a baccalaureate or master's social work program.

For more information, please review policy 4.12 in the Accreditation Policy Handbook.
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For further information and specific inquiries please contact your program's accreditation specialist .

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Reaffirmation Process