Panel Discussion
Accreditation From A to Z:
A Primer for Institutions
Seeking IS Accreditation for the First Time

Robert F. Zant
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois 61761 USA

David L. Feinstein
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama 36688 USA

Don Bailes
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee 37614 USA

John T. Gorgone
CIS Department
Bentley College
Waltham, MA 02452-4705, USA

Bruce A. White
Computer Information Systems
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT 06518, USA

Abstract

The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET is in the third full year of accrediting programs in information systems. The panelists have extensive experience on committees dealing with national curricula and accreditation, and have served on the CAC and as accreditation visit team chairs. This panel will discuss the accreditation process from beginning to end. It should interest individuals from institutions that are considering seeking accreditation for the first time and individuals who are interested in volunteering to become program evaluators with the CAC. (1) Initiating the accreditation process. (2) The Self Study. (3) Informing ABET. (4) Preparing for the visit. (5) The visit. (6) Post visit activities. (7) Response to the Preliminary Statement. (8) Accreditation actions.

Keywords: IS accreditation, self study, ABET, accreditation