Writing the Team Report

1. Writing the Team Report Chairs and Evaluators Workshop

2. Before the Team Visit • Read the Self-Study Report • Note general impressions of the whole report • Make notes and observations on your assigned standard(s) • Develop a preliminary draft report

3. Preliminary Draft • Your preliminary draft report should include: • Your overall impression, initial analysis, and observations on the content of the self-study • List of questions regarding the report • List of documents you want to review on site • List of individuals/groups you would like to interview

4. During the visit • Team chairs should provide guidelines regarding the format, style, and logistics of individual team member reports: • The report should follow structure of self-study when possible • Each team member should write the report in the style, font, and format set by team chair • The chair should set time-line for report submission

5. During the visit (cont.) • Evaluators should: • Take notes to use for preparing their report • Get answers for their questions • List documents reviewed and related findings • List people or groups interviewed • Identify additional documents needed or individuals to interview • Note important findings and discuss at team meetings

6. Preparing the Report • Provide a summary or overview of the area being reviewed and whether they meet the Standard(s) • Document findings and evaluation in your narrative that will support your requirements, recommendations, etc. • Note commendations, requirements, if any, recommendations, and suggestions

7. Developing the Final Report • Chairs should follow the templates in Team Visits • Take individual reports and combine them into the final report • Make sure the report documents key findings that support your team’s conclusions, recommendations, and any requirements

8. Structure of the Evaluator Report • Standard (s) Covered • Narrative of Findings • Commendations • Suggestions • Recommendations • Requirements • Other Information • People interviewed • Documents reviewed

9. Team Report Structure • Context & nature of visit • Compliance w/ eligibility requirements • Compliance w/ federal & other requirements • Evaluation overview • Compliance w/ accreditation standards • Summary of recommendations/requirements

10. Essential Components • Document findings and support your recommendations, requirements, etc. • Err on the side of too many findings, recommendations, etc • Make sure your conclusions and the team action are supported by the report • Note compliance with Requirements of Affiliation, Title IV, Regulations, and HEOA

11. Compliance with Federal Requirements • Affirm that the institution’s Title IV cohort default rate is within federal limits • Verify that the institution meets relevant requirements under the HEOA of 2008 • Verification of Student Identity • Transfer of Credit Policies

12. Verification of Student Identity • Institutions must verify the identity of students who participate in course or programs provided through distance or correspondence education • Teams look for clear processes, such as • Secure login and password • Proctored exams • New technologies and practices

13. Transfer of Credit Policies Institutions must demonstrate that transfer policies are disclosed to students and to the public. Policies must contain information about criteria used to make decisions. Teams review policies, placement of policies, established criteria, and lists of articulation agreements.