How to Respond to Accreditation Findings

Overview

Receiving accreditation findings is a normal part of quality assurance. Findings identify areas where an institution's policies, practices, documentation or outcomes fall short of ITAA standards. A prompt, evidence-based response protects students, preserves institutional integrity, and supports continuous improvement.

Immediate actions after receiving findings

1. Read the report carefully. Note the specific standards, evidence gaps, deadlines and any required corrective actions.
2. Inform leadership and governance. Notify the board, principal/CEO and key managers so legal, academic and financial risks can be assessed.
3. Assess risks to students. Determine whether current students, awards in progress or applicants are affected and prepare a communications plan.
4. Preserve evidence. Retain original documents, meeting minutes, student records and any materials referenced in the report.

Developing a remediation plan

A remediation plan should be realistic, time-bound and evidence-focused. Include:

• Clear objectives tied to each finding.
• Specific actions, responsible persons and completion dates.
• Resources required (budget, staffing, training).
• Measurable success indicators and evidence to submit to ITAA.
• A plan for interim safeguards if student outcomes or academic standards are at risk.

Consult ITAA guidance on standards and the process when preparing the plan.

Communications and transparency

Communicate internally and externally with clarity and care. Key points:

• Keep staff and students informed of the nature of findings and planned actions.
• Avoid overstating institutional status — be factual about ITAA's non-governmental status and any limitations of accreditation.
• Prepare a brief public statement if findings materially affect student enrolment, program delivery, or award issuance.

Submitting evidence and follow-up with ITAA

Follow the timeframe and evidence requirements set out in the ITAA report. Typical steps include:

1. Compile documentary evidence mapped to each corrective action.
2. Use ITAA submission channels identified in the report or Contact & Verification guidance.
3. Be responsive to requests for clarification or onsite verification.
4. Record all submissions and correspondence for audit trails.

When governance or legal issues arise

If findings reveal governance failures, non-compliance with local law, or risks to students, take immediate governance and legal advice. Remember that institutions remain solely responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial, regional and local laws, and that ITAA accreditation never overrides local law.

Learning and continuous improvement

Use findings as an opportunity to strengthen systems. Conduct a lessons-learned review, update policies and staff training, and integrate corrective actions into the institution's quality assurance cycle. Record improvements for future accreditation reviews and level evaluations.

Practical checklist

1. Confirm deadlines and responsible officers.
2. Draft remediation plan with milestones.
3. Notify board and key stakeholders.
4. Communicate with students if affected.
5. Submit mapped evidence to ITAA on time.
6. Record and archive all actions and correspondence.

ITAA’s Role

Important Accreditation Information

The International Theological Accreditation Association (ITAA) provides independent theological accreditation. ITAA is a private theological accreditation agency and is not a governmental accreditation authority. ITAA accreditation does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers and never overrides local law. ITAA evaluates reported evidence, sets required corrective actions where standards are unmet, and verifies remediation. Institutions remain responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and for accurate public information.

For full legal and policy details see Important Accreditation Information.