What is the AAOU Accreditation System?

The AAOU Accreditation System is a quality-based evaluation of open and technology-enabled academic institutions using 10 major criteria contained in accepted and commonly used QA standards and frameworks for all modes of instructional delivery.  There are four levels of Accreditation:

Level 1: Substantial improvement necessary
Level 2: Fundamental criteria met (acceptable performance)
Level 3: Good performance (superior to fundamental
Level 4: Exemplary/Excellent performance

Who can apply for accreditation?
Open Universities and other academic institutions who are delivering instruction in a technology-enabled mode.

How much will it cost the institution to undergo the process?
The Accreditation Fee is US10,000.  Other costs include the local transportation of the Accreditation Team and the meals during the University visit.

How will the process go?
The major steps are as follows:

1. The institution applies for accreditation by accomplishing the form which can be found down below.  The duly accomplished application form will be forwarded to the AAOU Accreditation Board.

2. The Institution, will be given instruction on the payment of the Accreditation Fee and will be provided with the HandBook to guide the preparation of the Self-Assessment Report.

3. The writing of the Self-Assessment Report also includes the gathering of documents, artifacts, other evidence to support the self-rating. The Self-Assessment Report is submitted to the AAOU Accreditation Board.

4. The AAOU Accreditation Board recommends to the AAOU President the members of the Accreditation Team who will evaluate the academic institution

5. The AAOU Accreditation Team visits the University on a schedule agreed upon with the institution. A virtual meeting with the institution will also be scheduled prior to the university visit.

6. The AAOU Accreditation Team visits the institution and submits its recommendation to the Accreditation Board who then reviews the recommendation and submits it to the AAOU President

7. The AAOU President presents the Certificate of Accreditation to the Head of the Institution during the AAOU Annual Conference. The Accreditation Badge for Levels 3 and 4 will also be placed beside the logo of the institution in the Members page of the AAOU Website.

How long is the accreditation process?
The whole process can take from 4-6 months.

Who comprised the AAOU Accreditation Board?
The AAOU Accreditation Board is comprised of internationally recognized ODeL experts from the four AAOU member institutions.  They are appointed by the AAOU President for a period of two years.

Who are the members of the Accreditation Team?
The Accreditation Team consists of two (2) International ODeL experts, one of whom will serve as Chair, and one local ODeL expert who will provide the local context and national policies and standard, and a Coordinating Staff.

Has the system been tested?
Yes. Prior to the full implementation of the AAOU Accreditation System, it has been piloted in three AAOU member institutions:  Open University Malaysia; Universitas Terbuka; and University of the Philippines Open University.

Is the service available to non-AAOU Member institutions?
Yes, Non-AAOU member institutions can also avail of this service. Priority, however, will be given to member institutions.