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Accreditation Standard 1: Mission, Goals and Objectives

What are they and why are they important?

In preparing to write this blog, I looked up the definitions and synonyms of mission.  I was especially interested in the difference between “mission” and “vision”.  Here is what I found.  The Business Dictionary.com offers these definitions: A mission statement is: “A written declaration of an organization’s core purpose and focus that normally remains unchanged over time. Properly crafted mission statements (1) serve […]

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Introduction to Series – Accreditation Standards as Signposts in Program Development

Accreditation: Path to Programmatic Excellence

When the Cheshire Cat asked Alice where she wanted to go, she answered: “I don’t much care where–” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” (Lewis Carrol) Program development can seem […]

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It’s a Small World for NP Training Programs

6 Degrees of Separation and 3 Degrees of Influence

First a brief history:  In 1929 the Hungarian writer Frigyes Karinthy published in a short story called “Chains” describing how everyone on the planet is connected through their acquaintances.  Karinthy speculated that there were no more than five connections between any two people.Throughout the 20th century, researchers tried unsuccessfully to prove the theory of six degrees […]

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Musings on Accreditation: the Paradox of Change

I’ve just returned from the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors’ spring conference in Chicago.  The theme of the conference was consistency and fairness in accreditation.  It was inspiring — filled with collegial exchanges, shared best practices, and thought-provoking presentations. I was welcomed to Chicago by a glorious spring day:  windy, sunny and 72 º.  […]

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