Message from Ian Collins, 2022 Commission Chair
As many of us are nearing the end of summer, I write with greetings from CEA and the Commission. Though in some respects, many things have returned to normal, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic is still impacting enrollment, global mobility, and instructional modality at many accredited programs and institutions.

The Commission gathered to hold its August meeting in person in Alexandria, VA, where my Commission colleagues and I made accreditation decisions, participated in professional development sessions, and received updates and reports from committees and staff on a variety of topics.

Among other things, CEA staff provided an update to the Commission on the implementation of Section 23 Temporary Policy Adaptations, which remain in place until rescinded or revoked by the Commission. These policies, adopted in June 2020 in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have allowed flexibility in conducting site visits and scheduling of reaccreditation timelines. Throughout 2022, there have been fewer hybrid site visits, fewer requests for extensions, and more sites leaving extended hiatus status and returning to operational status. Further implementation of these policies will continue to be monitored to determine their necessity. Of course, any changes to policies will be published in advance of implementation of those changes to ensure that you have sufficient time to come into compliance.

The Nominating Committee has finalized the slate for the 2023 Commission ballot. The Commission makes accreditation decisions, but also is a non-profit governance board, and the role that individuals from the field play in contributing to CEA’s work is important to maintaining CEA’s excellence. CEA’s nominations process operates independently from the Commission, as is good practice in nonprofit governance, and the ballot for elections consists of an unopposed slate. Like you, I am eager to receive the names of the Commission nominees. As you know, one of the responsibilities of the Constituent Council involves the election of commissioners, so I hope you’ll take the time to vote when the ballot is sent on September 15. 

In closing, I want to publicly thank the exceptional CEA staff for their careful and comprehensive work in support of the Commission, which allows us to conduct our board-related work and to carry out the mission of the agency. 

Ian Collins
2022 Commission Chair

Recent accreditation decisions
The Commission met in person August 5-7, 2022 to make accreditation decisions and conduct other CEA business. Accreditation decisions are announced on the CEA website under “Recent Decisions” within 30 days of each meeting. In addition, information about other Commission activities is provided below.

Please contact Heidi Vellenga, CEA’s Executive Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions you may have about the Commission actions, announcements or activities described below.

Agency operations

Workshops

Throughout 2022, CEA has continued to deliver accreditation workshops and reviewer training workshops in a virtual environment. CEA has also begun to regularly invite new program directors and primary contacts from newly-accredited sites to participate in an informational webinar related to ongoing requirements. As part of CEA’s strategic plan to focus on sustainability and equity and access,  we are likely to maintain options for virtual training events while re-introducing some in-person options for training opportunities. 2023 workshop dates are available on the CEA website: https://cea-accredit.org/accreditation/workshops for accreditation and reviewer training: https://cea-accredit.org/reviewers/become-a-reviewer.

Site visits

CEA volunteer peer reviewers and site visit representatives are back on the road this fall site visit cycle. Since 2020, CEA has conducted hybrid site visits as a temporary policy adaptation (see Section 23 Temporary Policy Adaptations). While this has been advantageous in terms of sustainability concerns as well as equity and access among peer reviewers, we are seeing a return to most site visits taking place in person. In addition, there are a large number of in-person follow-up visits taking place this cycle. Part I of the Hybrid Site Visit process is a virtual review, and those sites must undergo an in-person follow-up visit within one year of the accreditation decision, pending travel restrictions and other considerations. After each visit, a report is produced and reviewed by the Commission. If you have any questions about site visits, please contact Melissa Van De Wege, Accreditation Review Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..