June 05, 2024
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Accreditation Commission of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) announced June 4 that it has granted initial accreditation to Trine University’s dual enrollment program.
“Dual enrollment is a convenient way for high school students to reduce tuition costs or open their schedule for additional minors or even degrees,” said Kim Bennett, vice president for enrollment management at Trine. “Trine’s dual enrollment programs continue to expand to meet growing demand, and we’re proud that NACEP’s review has found that our programs meet their standards for providing a high-quality education and experience.”
Trine offers more than 60 dual enrollment course options, including specialized pathways that allow high school students to earn credits toward specific degrees.
NACEP also granted initial accreditation to two other programs and re-affirmed accreditation for 10 dual and concurrent enrollment programs during the 2023-2024 cycle at colleges and universities nationwide.
This brings the total number of NACEP-accredited programs across the country to 134, across 132 institutions, spanning 26 states.
“Congratulations to all the institutions receiving NACEP accreditation. Your commitment to meeting these standards shows the value your institution has for providing high school students with rigorous coursework that will help ease their transition from high school to postsecondary,” shared Mike Altomari, Associate Chair of the NACEP’s Accreditation Commission.
High standards
As the nation’s only accrediting body for these unique and impactful educational partnerships, NACEP’s standards serve as the model criteria for ensuring parity in faculty, course content, student outcomes and support. Receiving NACEP accreditation means an institution has met the nation’s most rigorous standard in concurrent enrollment program development, management and evaluation across multiple, multifaceted program areas.
Amy Williams, NACEP Executive Director, stated, “There are thousands of great programs in the nation, but only 134 actually took the step to open up their policies and practices for an independent review. NACEP-accredited programs are bold, brave and have committed to ensuring that quality is enshrined in policy and practice. EVERY student deserves a quality experience in their dual enrollment program.”
To earn NACEP accreditation, concurrent enrollment programs conduct a self-study, document how their programs adhere to NACEP’s 16 standards and undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by a team of representatives from NACEP-accredited programs as well as the members of the NACEP Accreditation Commission.
NACEP’s accreditation is valid for five years for initial accreditation and seven years for programs that are reaccredited between accreditation reviews; programs commit to upholding NACEP’s standards and report annually on program practices across the 16 standards.
Dr. Michael Beam, Chair of NACEP’s Accreditation Commission, expressed, “Many thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who make this process possible, specifically the Accreditation Commissioners, the Peer Review Team Leads, and Members. None of this work and support is achievable without their strong collaboration efforts and time commitment.”
He added, “On behalf of the Accreditation Commission, I want to congratulate all of the newly accredited and re-accredited programs, as they have successfully demonstrated their commitment to NACEP’s standards for high-quality programming.”
In addition to Trine University, St. Louis (Missouri) Community College and South Puget Sound (Washington) Community College earned initial accreditation.
Institutions earning re-accreditation were Arkansas State University, Jamestown (New York) Community College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Moberly Area (Missouri) Community College, North Central Missouri College, Northwest Missouri State University, Tompkins Cortland (New York) Community College, University of Missouri - Kansas City, and University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
NACEP will recognize the programs and their accomplishments at the 2024 National Conference in Orlando, Florida. To learn more about this event, visit www.nacep.org/national-conference/.
For a complete list of NACEP-accredited programs, visit www.nacep.org/accredited-programs/. and to learn about the accreditation process, visit www.nacep.org/accreditation/process-timeline-cost/.
About NACEP
The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) is the leading membership organization supporting programs that successfully transition students from high school to college through college credit-bearing courses. We promote quality programming through national standards, accreditation and professional development. Our members offer college courses to high school students through a variety of delivery methods and use a range of terms such as concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, dual credit and early college.
NACEP’s national member network of close to 500 institutions includes colleges and universities, high schools/school districts and state agencies actively sharing the latest knowledge about best practices, research and advocacy.
FORT WAYNE — Parkview Health and Trine University will offer a free webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 10, for students interested in the Parkview Academy of Surgical Technology program hosted at the university’s Brooks College of Health Professions.
Zander Atwood, assistant professor of sport management and director of the Center for Sports Studies at Trine University, is co-author of a new textbook covering sports ticket sales and revenue generation.
Jennifer Nixon, left, program assistant with Kate’s Kart, accepts a $2,500 check for the organization from Hunter Overholser, president of Trine University’s Health Science Association (HSA).