The Role of Accreditation Policy in Higher Education: Balancing Institutional Autonomy and Social Responsibility in the U.S. and Europe

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Federal and State Policy in Higher Education (Table 10)

Abstract

This paper critically examines the role of accreditation in addressing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and sustainability, offering a comparative analysis of accreditation policies in the United States and Europe. In the US, the incorporation of DEI standards into accreditation has sparked debates about the extent of accreditors' influence on institutional policies and potential threats to institutional autonomy. Critics argue that DEI mandates may undermine academic freedom, while proponents see them as essential for equity. In Europe, the accreditation framework emphasizes DEI as a core element of quality assurance, promoting social inclusion and equity. The study advocates for a balanced approach that respects institutional independence while advancing DEI and sustainability goals, enhancing higher education's effectiveness in both regions.

Author

• Cecilia Bibbo, University at Albany - SUNY