Institution maintains DEAC accreditation until 2025
Sessions College of Digital Art Successfully Renews Accreditation from Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Sessions College of Digital Art, a pioneer in online, accredited education, has once again passed the rigorous accreditation process conducted by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). This marks the fifth time the institution has successfully renewed its accreditation since its founding in 1997.
The DEAC is the only accrediting organization in the United States that focuses on distance education. As a private, non-profit organization founded in 1926, the DEAC operates as an institutional accreditor of distance education institutions, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
The accreditation renewal process involved a self-study, external subject matter expert evaluations, and an evaluation visit by education and business leaders. Kerstin Briar, Rachel Herring, Paolo Fulgenzi, Ashley Rich, and Katie Nelson served as Student Ambassadors, representing the student experience during the accreditation process. Faculty members Andrew Shalat, Kristen Becker, and Felicia Kieselhorst also lent their perspectives in interviews.
Dr. Meryl Epstein, Tyler Drake, and Kimberly O'Hanlon played key roles in coordinating the accreditation report and visit on the staff side. The President of the institution has been involved in school accreditation since 2007.
The DEAC's accreditation process ensures that institutions meet established standards of educational quality, institutional integrity, and student outcomes. This includes thorough evaluations such as governance reviews, curriculum and faculty qualifications assessments, self-study, documentation of evidence demonstrating quality, site visits by peer reviewers, and ongoing monitoring through regular reporting and periodic reaffirmation (typically every 5-7 years).
The significance of accreditation lies in its role as a quality assurance measure, maintaining high-quality online education environments. It also offers external validation that enhances an institution’s credibility and helps attract students seeking recognized, reputable online programs. Moreover, it encourages continuous improvement as schools implement recommended enhancements and comply with evolving accreditation requirements.
Sessions College of Digital Art, having successfully passed the accreditation process multiple times, demonstrates a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The institution is developing new, exciting, and innovative program offerings, further solidifying its position as a leader in online education.
The COVID-19 era has increased the importance of access to a quality online education. Sessions College of Digital Art, with its longstanding history of delivering online, accredited education, is well-equipped to meet this growing demand.
References: [1] Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). (n.d.). Accreditation. Retrieved from https://deac.org/accreditation/ [2] Nexford University. (n.d.). About Nexford University. Retrieved from https://www.nexford.org/about/
- Sessions College of Digital Art's successful renewal of school accreditation from DEAC underscores their dedication to maintaining high-quality education and self-development opportunities in the field of digital art.
- Based on its repeated success in the accreditation process, Sessions College of Digital Art, a pioneer in online, accredited education, continues to be a leader in education-and-self-development, offering innovative program offerings and fulfilling the growing demand for quality online general-news worthiness.