UACCB to keep offering credit to high schoolers

BATESVILLE — The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s concurrent enrollment program received reaccreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships Accreditation Commission. UACCB is one of 112 accredited programs across 22 states.

“NACEP accreditation demonstrates a commitment to academic integrity and the delivery of an authentic college experience in the high school classroom,” said Amy Williams, NACEP executive director.

To earn accreditation from NACEP, concurrent-enrollment programs conduct a self-study, document how their programs adhere to NACEP’s 17 standards and undergo a rigorous peerreview process conducted by a team of representatives from NACEP-accredited programs, as well as the NACEP Accreditation Commission.

Susan Tripp, UACCB division chair for arts and humanities, said UACCB has been working since February 2018 to gather evidence necessary for the NACEP review.

“The main goal is to ensure that our concurrent program meets the rigorous standards of our college coursework,” Tripp said.

Tiffany Guinnip, administrative assistant to the vice chancellor for academics, said UACCB had to provide a variety of evidence documents for the review process.

“We provided syllabi, graded class assignments, examples of joint professional development opportunities for high school instructors and UACCB faculty, and high school instructor evaluations provided by UACCB faculty liaisons who would observe the high school concurrent classes,” Guinnip said. “We also conducted surveys with high school students who were one year out of high school and those who were four years out of high school to gauge the value they placed on their concurrent experience.”

Rana Dowdy, high school liaison, said the partnerships that have been cultivated between UACCB and the local school districts have contributed greatly to the concurrent program’s success.

“Monthly meetings are held between UACCB administration and faculty, the local high school administrators and representatives from Lyon College, as well as members of the chamber. Being able to come together regularly to have those open discussions is part of what makes this program such a success,” Dowdy said..

“Achieving NACEP accreditation is a vital component to UACCB’s commitment to ensure the academic integrity and rigor of the coursework our concurrent students are taking. The concurrent courses are held to the same standards as classes on UACCB’s campus …,” UACCB Chancellor Deborah Frazier said. “I want to commend all those who played an integral role in UACCB achieving this great accomplishment.”