Office of AQIP Liasion
3737 Southern Blvd.
Kettering, OH 45429
Contact: Jennilou Grotevant
Phone: (937) 298-3399 ext. 55635
Email: Jennilou.Grotevant@kcma.edu

Frequently asked questions about AQIP

What is AQIP?
AQIP is the Academic Quality Improvement Program.  It is a regional accreditation process through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Why AQIP?
Colleges and universities need to understand why AQIP requires a preliminary, quality-based self-assessment. Self-awareness is as critical for organizations as it is for individuals. Pinpointing an institution's strengths and advancement opportunities is essential for any improvement initiative. Like traditional accreditation processes, AQIP champions the idea that self-assessment lays the foundation for institutional vitality and improvement. Within AQIP, there are a variety of mechanisms to promote institutional stocktaking. Preparing and maintaining a Systems Portfolio— and obtaining expert feedback on it from a Systems Appraisal every four years — is a central fixture. An institution's annually updating AQIP on the progress and achievement of its Action Projects provides a method of annual self-assessment. Strategy Forums offer opportunities for self-assessment conducted in an atmosphere where observations and ideas from peers stimulate thoughtful self-analysis.

Who can apply?
To join AQIP for reaccreditation purposes, an institution must be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and have had two comprehensive visits. Institutions not accredited by the Higher Learning Commission can participate in AQIP, but not for accreditation purposes.

Why is regional accreditation important?
Regional accreditation assures students, families, and external constituents that an institution offers a quality education.  In regional accreditation, other educators review the institution periodically with special attention to student learning.

How often does the review process take place?
Kettering College of Medical Arts reports annually on its improvements to the Higher Learning Commission. 

How often does the reaccreditation process take place?
Every seven years, AQIP reviews and reaffirms the accredited status of participating Commission-accredited organizations.

What is my role in the AQIP Accreditation process?
Every member of the campus community should take time to review and familiarize themselves with AQIP because the success of the college hinges on every body being an active participant in maintaining a quality educational institution.

What are the AQIP projects?
The three AQIP projects are refine online registration and complete implementation, implement the newly adopted governance structure, and design and implement assessment plan for institutional outcomes.

What criteria does AQIP use in evaluating the university?
AQIP helps the college focus on nine key areas:  1) helping students learn,  2) achieving other distinctive objectives,  3) understanding students’ and stakeholders’ needs,  4) valuing people,  5) leading and communicating,  6) supporting institutional operations,  7) measuring institutional effectiveness,  8) planning for continuous improvement, and  9) building collaborative relationships.

Where do I get more information?
Aside from this page, you can visit AQIP’s website at:  www.AQIP.org