by Christopher C. Walck, Associate Chief Executive Officer/Director of Accreditation

Standard III, Criterion 3 is considered the "catch all" criterion, since it encompasses the requirements of NACCAS' Rules of Practice and Procedure and all other accreditation requirements. Whenever a school is out of compliance with any requirements that are not specifically addressed in the Standards and Criteria a limitation is cited under this Criterion.
The criterion states:

The school's administrative staff provide evidence, through documentation of attendance at training sessions and conferences, and in other appropriate ways, that they have knowledge of federal, state and local statutes and regulations governing the operations of the school, and of NACCAS requirements for accredited schools. The school complies with the NACCAS Rules of Practice and Procedure and other NACCAS accreditation requirements.

The criterion is broken down into two specific issues. The first issue addresses whether the school's administrative staff have attended training sessions and conferences, or in other appropriate ways, that they have knowledge of federal, state and local statutes and regulations. The second issue addressed in the criterion is whether the school complies with the NACCAS Rules and other policies and procedures.

What are the most common reasons a limitation is cited under Criterion 3?

1. The school has not notified NACCAS of a change in name, ownership or location in accordance with Sections 4.2, 4.3 or 4.8 of the NACCAS Rules.

2. The school has added a new program of study, but has not filed the required application for an addition of a new program in accordance with Section 4.13 of the NACCAS Rules.

3. The school is required by its state regulatory agency to increase or decrease the number of hours in an approved program, but does not submit the documentation to effectuate the change in accordance with Section 4.17 of the NACCAS Rules.

4. The school's participation in Title IV financial aid programs are limited, suspended or terminated. However, the school does not notify NACCAS of this occurrence within ten (10) days as required by Section 5.1(a)(8) of the NACCAS Rules.

5. The institution does not send a school representative to a NACCAS Accreditation Workshop within nine (9) and twenty-four (24) months of its anniversary date, as required by Appendix No. 3.

What can I do to comply with Criterion 3?

1. Whenever you are making a significant change in your school consult the NACCAS Handbook, web-site (www.naccas.org), or contact the NACCAS office directly.

2. Have several members of your administrative staff responsible for reviewing and being familiar with specific NACCAS requirements.

3. Attend NACCAS Accreditation Workshops a couple of times during your grant of accreditation, instead of waiting until you receive your renewal application.

As always, when in doubt call the NACCAS office for technical assistance.