For institutions
Writing a self-study that actually helps you
The self-study is the most useful part of accreditation for the institution that writes it, if it is written to find problems rather than to hide them.
What a self-study is for
A self-study is your own honest assessment of how well you meet each standard, with evidence. Reviewers use it as their map. You use it to find out, before anyone else does, what works and what does not.
Write for a reader who was not there
Reviewers will not know your institution. Say what you do, and then show it. A policy on paper is not enough; show the record that proves the policy is followed.
Use evidence you already have
Good evidence is often by-product of ordinary work: minutes, surveys, assessment records, help-desk logs, program review reports. Do not create documents for the review; point to the ones that exist.
Be specific about weaknesses
Every institution has weak spots. A self-study that names them, and shows a plan with an owner and a date, is far more convincing than one that claims everything is excellent. Reviewers are looking for honesty and the capacity to improve.
Practical tips
- Take the standards one at a time and answer the questions under each one.
- Give every claim a reference to a piece of evidence.
- Include the views of learners and instructors, not only managers.
- Keep a list of what you will do next and who will do it.
- Ask someone outside the team that wrote it to read it as a stranger would.
Where to start
HCDE publishes a Self-Study Guide and an Application Checklist to help you prepare. Both are in the Resources section.
Questions before you begin?
Write to HCDE and we will explain the route that fits your institution, program or situation.