FEPAC Accreditation Standards for Forensic Science Programs

1. Module 3 General Standards for All Programs 3.0 – 3.10

2. Learning Objectives Following training, the participants will have: • A basic knowledge of FEPAC general standards, • Guidelines for addressing the standards in the self-study report.

3. Accreditation Standards Three categories of standards • General Standards • Undergraduate Program Standards • Addressed in Module 4 • Graduate Program Standards • Addressed in Module 5 • Full text of the standards is online at: http://www.fepac-edu.org/sites/default/files/FEPAC%20Standards%2007102016.pdf

4. FEPAC WEBSITE

5. Self-Study Report • This document describes how the program meets the accreditation standards. • It must address each general standard and the appropriate undergraduate or graduate standards. • Serves as the major source of information for FEPAC about the program.

6. Self-Study Report • Institutions MUST USE the self-study report (http://fepac-edu.org/) • The self-study report includes the following: • Statement of each standard • Response Information (Program Initial Comments) • Briefly describe how the program meets the standard • Include Strengths and Weaknesses • Administrative team initial comments • Program Response to initial comments • On-site evaluation team comments • Commissioner review comments • Program Final Response

7. Self-Study Report • Use the document Guidance on Preparing the Self-Study Report when writing the self-study • The Guide can be found at • http://www.fepac-edu.org/accreditation

8. What the Reviewers Expect to See for Each Standard in the Institutional Response section: • PROGRAM RESPONSE: • How does the program meet the Standard? • What are the strengths and weaknesses? • What is the plan for continual improvement? • We do NOT need a complete “Data Dump” • SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION REFERENCES • EVIDENCE OF STANDARD COMPLIANCE

9. Self-Study Report EVERYTHING is to be submitted electronically. Supporting documentation: • Provide links to public information, • Provide a secure web site for any supporting documentation you don’t want publicly available. Clearly identify and provide location for supporting documentation referenced in the self-study.

10. 3.0 GENERAL STANDARDS FOR ALL PROGRAMS 3.1 Eligibility To be eligible for FEPAC accreditation or re-accreditation, a forensic science program shall document that: 1. The institution offering the program is regionally accredited, and,

11. 3.0 GENERAL STANDARDS FOR ALL PROGRAMS 2. The degree awarded upon successful completion of the program is at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following: a. Forensic Science b. Digital Forensics c. A degree in one of the following disciplines with a concentration in forensic science or digital forensics: 1) Computer Science 2) Computer/Electrical Engineering 3) Information Systems 4) Information Technology 5) A natural science

12. 3.0 GENERAL STANDARDS FOR ALL PROGRAMS 3. A program seeking FEPAC accreditation shall have graduated at least two classes before the Application for Accreditation (FEPAC Form 5.1) is submitted through the online system at www.fepac-edu.org

13. Response Expected for Standard 3.1 Program Response: • State the name of the regional accrediting agency that accredits the institution. • List all degrees (and certificates, if any,) awarded upon successful completion of the forensic science program. The title of the degree should be the same as the degree printed on the diploma or certificate award. • Indicate the year the forensic science program was started and number of graduating classes.

14. Response Expected for Standard 3.1 Supporting Documentation: • Link to Regional Accreditation Site • Catalog description of degree awarded • Evidence of at least two graduating classes

15. 3.2 Mission, Goals, and Objectives The forensic science program shall have a clearly formulated mission that is a succinct representation of the program’s purpose for existence, philosophies, goals, and ambitions. The mission should be appropriate to the institution and consistent with the aspiration of the forensic science community to produce a technically skilled and educated workforce. Supporting goals and educational objectives should be clearly specified, consistent with the mission, and appropriate in light of the degree(s) awarded.

16. Response Expected for Standard 3.2 Program Response: • Describe the Program’s Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives. • Describe how the mission, goals, and objectives are appropriate to the institute and the forensic science community. • Demonstrate how the goals and objectives are appropriate to the degree awarded and enhance the mission of the program and institution

17. Response Expected for Standard 3.2 Supporting Documentation: • Copy of course catalog describing program mission, goals, and objectives. Specify the exact location of the mission, goals, and objectives. The entire institutional catalog is not necessary. • Catalog description of degree awarded • Evidence of achievement of the mission, goals, and objectives.

18. 3.3 Planning and Evaluation The program shall have an explicit process for: • Evaluating and monitoring its overall efforts to fulfill its mission, goals, and objectives; • assessing its effectiveness in serving its various constituencies; • modifying the curriculum as necessary, based on the results of its evaluation activities; • planning to achieve its mission in the future. • demonstrating continuous improvement.

19. 3.3 Planning and Evaluation The program shall conduct annual analytical self-evaluation that responds to the FEPAC standards. The evaluation shall include the following three components: • A summary statement about the program’s compliance with each standard that identifies both best practices and problem areas.

20. 3.3 Planning and Evaluation The program shall conduct annual analytical self-evaluation that responds to the FEPAC standards. The evaluation shall include the following three components: 2. An evaluation of the success with regard to student achievement. The evaluation system shall include at least the following elements: • Results of the student’s performance in a capstone experience, forensic science standardized test results, publications, reports; • Exit questionnaire or interview of graduates; • Post-graduate assessment, such as job placement surveys; • The program must demonstrate how collected information is used in the evaluation and development of the program to meets its stated mission, goals, and objectives.

21. 3.3 Planning and Evaluation The program shall conduct annual analytical self-evaluation that responds to the FEPAC standards. The evaluation shall include the following three components: • An operational strategy that includes: • at least two significant continuous improvement initiatives and • any remediation around potential weakness or areas needing improvement with any FEPAC Standards.

22. 3.3 Planning and Evaluation The program shall also document its record of student performance, as measured by post-graduate assessments, and any additional outcome measures the program may use to assess student progress and achievement. These records shall be maintained for at least five years after student graduation. At least one measure of student achievement must be listed on the program’s website. The measure(s) to be placed on the website are determined by the institution or program and shall be updated annually. The measures of student performance listed on the program’s website must also be listed on the annual report to FEPAC.

23. 3.3: Planning and Evaluation Program Response: Describe the policies and procedures or explicit mechanism in place to ensure that the program is meeting the mission, goals, and objectives Provide the procedure for assessing and modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of the students, staff, and relevant constituencies. Describe planning for the future of the program with regard to the strengths and weaknesses of the program.

24. 3.3: Planning and Evaluation Program Response: Provide a statement regarding the annual program review. • Describe the capstone experience and results • Describe the exit questionnaire and interview of graduates and results • Describe the post-graduate assessment and results • Provide a direct link to the student achievement data posted on the program website Finally, describe how all of the above are evaluated and contribute to the operational strategy and two continual improvement initiatives.

25. Response Expected for Standard 3.3 Supporting Documentation: • Copies of all instruments or surveys used to collect the evaluation data, • A copy of any internal or external review, • A copy of the program’s evaluation plan, • Copies of any strategic plans or other planning documents the program uses. • Assessment data pertaining to student achievement and program achievement should be offered here (e.g. results of exit interviews).

26. 3.3: Planning and Evaluation • In the 2017-2018 program accreditation cycle, Standard 3.3 was the most cited standard for compliance issues. • Many of the programs described the evaluation process and data collected, but neglected to demonstrate how the data was used to improve the program.

27. 3.4 Institutional Support The program shall receive adequate support from the institution. As with other natural science programs, the financial resources available to the program shall be sufficient to allow the program to achieve its mission, goals, and objectives. Classrooms, laboratories, and other program facilities, including equipment and supplies, shall be adequate for the size and scope of the program. Instructional and support services for the program shall also be adequate.

28. Response Expected for Standard 3.4 Program Response: • Describe the financial resources the institution makes available to the program, • The forensic science program finances should be described in more detail than a simple line item in a department budget • List the physical facilities available to the program, • List the instructional and academic support services available to the program.

29. Response Expected for Standard 3.4 Program Response: • Evaluate the financial resources available to the program in comparison to those available to other natural science programs at the institution. • Evaluate the adequacy of the institution’s support for the program, including the financial resources, the facilities, and the various instructional and academic support services available to the program. • What do the results of these evaluations reveal about the institution’s support for the program? What do they reveal in terms of specific strengths and weaknesses of that support? What do the results show about the extent to which the program complies with Standard 3.3?

30. Response Expected for Standard 3.4 Supporting Documentation: • A copy of the program’s budget for the last two years. • A list of the major equipment, laboratories, and classrooms available to the program. • A list of the principal library holdings that support the program.

31. 3.5 Faculty All faculty members shall be appropriately qualified, by education and experience, to implement the instructional program. The scientific and educational capabilities of the faculty should be distributed over the major areas of the program. Forensic science faculty includes any faculty or instructional staff member who teaches a forensic science course or a support course designed specifically for the program. The number of faculty members shall be sufficient to ensure regular offerings of all courses needed for the degree program. Students shall not experience delays in graduating because of a lack of course offerings.

32. 3.5 Faculty Faculty members with working experience in a forensic science laboratory are preferred. However, over-reliance on part-time or adjunct faculty may be deemed inadequate institutional support. Full-time faculty teaching in graduate programs shall have demonstrated research activity appropriate to their institution’s mission. Full-time faculty members shall oversee all coursework and ensure its applicability to the program’s mission, goals, and objectives.

33. 3.5 Faculty The following requirements apply separately to each program: • At least 50% of the full-time forensic sciencefaculty shall have an appropriate doctoral degree. • At least 50% of the forensic-science credit hours in a program (4.1.1c/4.1.1d or 4.1.2c/4.1.2d for undergraduate programs and 5.2 for graduate programs) must be taught by full-time faculty. The program shall have well-defined policies and procedures to recruit, appoint, and promote qualified faculty, to evaluate the competence and performance of faculty, and to support the professional development and advancement of faculty.

34. Identification of Forensic Faculty • A faculty member who teaches a forensic science course OR A faculty member who teaches a course specifically for forensic science majors

35. Response Expected to Standard 3.5 Program Response: • Describe the size and composition of the current faculty, how the faculty has changed in the last five years, and any plans for changes to the size or composition of the faculty in the next five years. • Describe the process the program uses to evaluate the effectiveness of the faculty in supporting the program’s mission, goals, and objectives. Evaluate the effectiveness of the faculty in implementing the instructional program taking into account their education and experience, their specific forensic science experience. Describe any changes that have been made recently as a result of such an evaluation of faculty effectiveness.

36. Response Expected to Standard 3.5 Program Response: • Describe the process the program uses to ensure that part-time faculty are knowledgeable about the program’s mission, goals, and objectives and work in concert with full-time faculty to accomplish the mission, goals, and objectives. • Describe the resources available for faculty development and the policies that govern faculty development. Give examples of recent faculty development activities that support the forensic science program. • What do the results of the evaluation reveal about specific strengths and weaknesses of the faculty? What do the results show about the extent to which the program complies with Standard 3.4?

37. Response Expected to Standard 3.5 Supporting Documentation: • A table of all faculty teaching in the forensic science program. For each faculty member on the list, indicate the individual’s rank, the highest degree that person has earned and his/her field of study. Also indicate whether the faculty member is full-time or part-time, when the faculty member joined the faculty, and the courses and credit hours the faculty member is assigned to teach. • Curriculum vitae for all full-time faculty members teaching in the forensic science program. List of forensic science publications and presentations. • Copies (or a description) of the policies and procedures used to recruit, appoint, and promote qualified faculty, to evaluate the competence and performance of faculty, and to support their professional development and advancement.

38. Faculty Supporting Documentation The program should NOT use a complete list of all faculty in a department. Only faculty who teach courses that consist primarily of forensic science majors should be included. The program should not include the names of guest lecturers as faculty.

39. 3.6 Recruiting and Admissions Practices, Academic Calendars, Catalogs, Publications, Grading, and Advertising The program shall have policies and procedures for student recruitment and admissions that locate and select qualified individuals who have the educational prerequisites and the interest and motivation to pursue careers in forensic science. These policies and procedures shall identify the scientific background necessary and clearly define the expectations for admission to, continuation in, and completion of the program. All statements made about the program in any promotional advertising, catalogs, or other institutional publications shall be accurate. In addition, the student shall be advised of the typical suitability requirements particular to employment in the field. Specifically, students should be advised that: Background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment (Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099 – “Qualifications for a Career in Forensic Science,” pp.7-10).

40. 3.6 Recruiting and Admissions Practices, Academic Calendars, Catalogs, Publications, Grading, and Advertising If pursuing a career as a forensic DNA analyst, nine cumulative hours of course work in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics is required; course work in population genetics is desirable. Employers will require documentation, such as a syllabus, for course work with other titles (Reference: FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories). The program shall ensure that all students receive timely and accurate information about the academic calendar, required coursework and degree requirements, grading policies and satisfactory academic progress, and other relevant academic policies. All application, admission, and degree-granting requirements and regulations shall be applied equitably to individual applicants and students regardless of age, sex, race, disability, religion, or national origin.

41. Response Expected for Standard 3.6 Program Response: • Describe the policies and procedures the program uses to recruit students. Also describe the types of information the program routinely provides to prospective students. • Describe how the program informs students about such academic policies, such as required coursework and degree requirements, grading policies and satisfactory academic progress, and the academic calendar. • Evaluate the effectiveness of the program’s admissions policies and procedures. Also evaluate the program’s effectiveness in locating and selecting qualified students who have the educational prerequisites to complete the program. • What do the results of these evaluation activities show about the program’s admissions and recruiting practices? What do they reveal as the strengths or weaknesses of these practices? What do the results show about the extent to which the program complies with Standard 3.6? • Provide links to relevant websites: Academic policies, background check statement, etc.

42. Response Expected for Standard 3.6 Supporting Documentation: • Copies of (or links to) the current catalog, the student handbook, and any other key documents the institution/program uses to convey information to students about academic policies and procedures. • Copies of any materials specific to forensic science that the program routinely provides to students (e.g., bulletin, prospectus, website links).

43. 3.7 Student Support Services The program shall provide adequate student support services including mentoring, academic advising, and career and placement services. The program shall also provide an environment and culture that are congruent with professional standards and behaviors.

44. Response Expected for Standard 3.7 Program Response: • Describe the types of student support services available to support the program (e.g., mentoring, academic advising, career advising, and placement services). • Also describe any special support services the program provides to forensic science students (e.g., a special orientation program for forensic science students or special faculty advising). • Evaluate the adequacy of the student support services available to support the program. Are the services adequate for the size and scope of the program? • Evaluate the success of the program in providing an environment and culture that is congruent with professional standards and behaviors. • What do the results of these evaluations reveal in terms of strengths or weaknesses of the student support services? What do the results show about the extent to which the program complies with Standard 3.5?

45. Response Expected for Standard 3.7 Supporting Documentation: A copy of any brochures, pamphlets, or other material the program provides students as part of its academic advising, career advising, or other student support activity.

46. 3.8 Record of Student Complaints The program shall have a procedure for handling student complaints. At a minimum, this procedure shall include informing students of their right to file a complaint with the college or university and providing students with the institution’s procedures for filing such a complaint. The program shall maintain a record of all complaints it receives, as well as the resolution of those complaints. The program shall make this record available to members of the on-site evaluation team during the on-site visit.

47. Response Expected for Standard 3.8 Program Response: • Describe the institution’s or program’s procedure for handling student complaints Also describe the process the program uses to keep a record of student complaints. • How many complaints have there been against the forensic science program in the last five years? Include all complaints about the curriculum, a faculty member, or some other aspect of the program. • What does the record of student complaints reveal about the quality of the program? Does the record reveal any systemic weaknesses or other matters that the program needs to address?

48. Response Expected for Standard 3.8 Supporting Documentation:The record of all student complaints for the last five years. (Note: This documentation does not need to be submitted with the self-study, but it does need to be made available to the onsite evaluation team during site visit.) • A copy of (or link to) the institution’s or program’s policy on handling student complaints. (FERPA exception to accrediting organizations in carrying out their accrediting functions – see Legislative History of Major FERPA Provisions) http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/leg-history.html

49. 3.9 Distance Learning and Other Alternative Delivery Mechanisms FEPAC considers distance learning to be one of several acceptable forms of instructional methodology. Therefore, FEPAC does not maintain separate standards for distance learning or other alternative delivery mechanisms and expects all programs to meet the same standards for accreditation, regardless of the instructional methodology used. FEPAC acknowledges that laboratory-based instruction is integral to any science-based discipline such as forensic science. Therefore, any program that offers at least some instruction via distance learning shall demonstrate that it includes an appropriate laboratory experience for all students.

50. Response Expected for Standard 3.9 Program Response: • Describe the aspects (if any) of the forensic science program a student may complete via distance learning or an alternative delivery mechanism. • If there is a distance-learning component to the forensic science program, describe how the program provides appropriate laboratory experience for distance learners. • How does the curriculum differ from that used in a traditional setting (i.e., professor and students in the same place [classroom/lab] at the same time?) • What is the nature of the content delivery?