Friday, March 27, 2020

Ed Dept green-lights virtual site visits for accreditors due to coronavirus - Hallie Busta, Education Dive

The U.S. Department of Education has expanded guidance issued to accreditors earlier this month about the level of flexibility they can offer colleges that are moving classes online due to the novel coronavirus. In a memo this week, the department said accreditors could conduct site visits virtually at their discretion, though they would be expected to visit in-person at a later date. Virtual visits must be interactive, such as through phone and video calls, "rather than solely document reviews or exchanges of emails," the guidance explains. The guidance comes as at least one accreditor said it plans to temporarily take most site visits remote and as others consider the option for some schools.
https://www.educationdive.com/news/ed-dept-green-lights-virtual-site-visits-for-accreditors-due-to-coronavirus/574417/