Center for Regional Programs receives National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships accreditation

June 25, 2010 -- Arkansas State University’s Center for Regional Programs has received accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). ASU is one of six institutions that demonstrated commitment to offering high quality concurrent enrollment programming.

NACEP is a professional organization for high schools and colleges that fosters and supports concurrent enrollment. NACEP serves as a national accrediting body and supports all members by providing standards of excellence, research, communication and advocacy.

“I want to thank the ASU faculty, staff and our concurrent enrollment partners for their hard work and perseverance in earning NACEP accreditation,” said Dr. Michael Bowman, interim dean of Regional Programs. “This accreditation recognizes the high standards and quality of our concurrent enrollment courses established by Arkansas State University and our partners.”

ASU currently partners with Valley View High School Jonesboro High School, Nettleton High School and Greene County Tech High School in Paragould in concurrent enrollment classes.

Concurrent classes are university courses taught face-to-face in high schools. High school students enrolled in the program receive both university and high school credit simultaneously, and this credit may be used to fulfill university general education requirements.

NACEP accreditation distinguishes a select group of 53 high-quality concurrent enrollment programs nationwide. The intensive accreditation process includes a comprehensive, programmatic self-study; documentation of adherence to the standards; and a peer review by experienced, accredited members of NACEP.  The organization’s standards represent nationally-acknowledged best practices ensuring that the college courses offered in the high schools are the same as those offered by the sponsoring college.

“Arkansas State University faculty and staff, along with concurrent faculty and staff members at ASU’s partner schools, have put forth great effort to ensure the program’s academic rigor and strength,” said Amy Moody-Qualls, the coordinator of off-campus Credit Courses for ASU. “The teamwork between ASU faculty and partner school teachers benefits concurrent students whose education is the real reason we strive for excellence.”

Other programs receiving accreditation include Broome Community College of New York, Cossatot Community College of Arkansas, National Park Community College of Arkansas, Phillips Community College of Arkansas and Riverland Community College of Minnesota.

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