Institutional Website Transparency Checklist

Purpose and scope

This checklist helps theological institutions, leaders and quality-assurance stakeholders ensure public website information is accurate, accessible and legally sound. It focuses on the minimum disclosures ITAA expects institutions to publish so prospective students can make informed decisions.

Essential website items (publish visibly)

• Institution name and physical address: Full institutional name, registered trading name(s) and principal postal address.
• Governing body and leadership: Names and roles of principal officers (chair, CEO/principal, academic head) and a short statement of governance structure.
• Legal status and registration: Statement of local legal registration(s) and any licences required to operate in the institution’s jurisdiction.
• Clear programme listings: Programme titles, level (certificate/diploma/undergraduate/postgraduate), mode of delivery and typical duration.
• Learning outcomes and assessment summary: Short programme learning outcomes, typical assessment methods and awarding practices.
• Tuition, fees and refund policy: Current fees, billing schedules and a concise refund/withdrawal policy.
• Entry requirements and admissions steps: Minimum entrance criteria and how to apply.
• Student support and complaints: Overview of learner support, grievance procedures and how students lodge complaints.
• Accreditation and verification: Accurate statement of accreditation status, the accreditor's name (International Theological Accreditation Association / ITAA) and a clear link to the central Accreditation Disclaimer page.

Presentation and technical guidance

• Place key disclosures on the homepage or a clearly labelled "About" or "Governance" area.
• Use legible language and avoid marketing statements that could be mistaken for legal recognition.
• Provide downloadable policy documents (handbook, academic regulations, assessment policy) with version and effective date.
• Keep a visible verification route: an email or verification form for third-party checks.

Statements to avoid or qualify

Do not claim governmental recognition, statutory degree‑awarding powers, or that accreditation replaces local law. Where government recognition exists, state the exact nature and the issuing authority. Avoid ambiguous branding that implies official state endorsement.

Maintenance and governance responsibilities

Institutions remain solely responsible for the accuracy of website content. Record a last‑updated date on policy pages, assign a named owner for public information, and review publications annually or when significant changes occur (governance, programmes, fees).

Quick compliance checklist (action items)

1. Publish an Accreditation Disclaimer page and link it from every page footer.
2. Show accreditation status exactly (use "International Theological Accreditation Association" or "ITAA").
3. Include legal registration and governance statements.
4. Upload current student handbook and policies with effective dates.
5. Provide a visible verification route (verification form or admin@i-t-a-a.com reference).