The costs of ACA Accreditation of academic programs in communication fall into four categories: (1) Fees and dues to the Association, (2) honoraria for the site evaluation team members, (3) travel expenses for the members of the site team, and (4) in-kind support for the site evaluation team during the site visit. These costs are borne exclusively by the institution being evaluated and must be paid in advance of receiving a determination of the Unit’s accreditation status – regardless of the site team’s recommendation or the ACA board of directors’ ultimate decision.

Fees and dues to the Association: The American Communication Association shall receive $1,500 for accreditation service to review one program – such a bachelor’s degree – at up to two campuses. This includes a $500 processing fee to be provided as remuneration to the CFO for administrative labor costs resulting from the accreditation process. Additionally, one year of institutional membership in the ACA for the Unit being evaluated is included. Annual institutional membership dues after the first year are $200 if the Unit chooses to continue its affiliation. Additional programs and/or campus can be reviewed as well for an additional cost at a discounted rate.

This fee must be received in the office of the ACA Executive Director at least one week prior to the site visit. (In the case of an institution receiving probationary accreditation, this fee does not need to be paid a second time when the organization is reassessed to determine whether it can now be accredited.)

Honoraria for the Site Evaluation Team Members: Each member of the site team should receive the honorarium rate noted below for accreditation service to review one program – such a bachelor’s degree – at up to two campuses. Additional programs and/or campus can be reviewed as well for an additional cost at a discounted rate.

Honoraria for the site team members should be paid directly to each member of the team. Although it is preferred that these payments be made prior to the site visit, payment at the end of the visit is also acceptable. Please note that the site team report will not be released to the institution or to the ACA board of directors until all honoraria are paid.

Each team member receives $1000 per day for the site visit, including travel days. His or her responsibilities also include writing the preliminary and final reports.

(In the event that, after an initial site visit, the communication unit of an institution receives probationary accreditation and a follow up visit is necessary, site team members will receive an honorarium for the second visit at the same rate and with the same conditions as the first visit.)

Travel Expenses for the Members of the Site Team: The following are expectations of site teams that travel to visit the institution under review.  Needs will vary depending upon U.S. vs. international travel:

Air travel: All airline tickets for the site evaluation team must be purchased by the institution and travel information provided to the team members at least two weeks prior to the site visit. Travel should be business class when available.

On the ground: Lodging should be at major hotels (or their equivalent) in closest proximity to the campus. Hotel, ground transportation, and other on-site accommodations must also be set up by the host institution in advance. One rental car or university vehicle and driver should be available to the site evaluation team as needed for the duration of the site visit.

Wireless internet access and other communication: Wireless internet access is expected at both accommodations and, as much as possible, throughout the campuses being visited. This should be set up the first day of the visit if not before. For site visits outside the U.S., mobile phones should be made available on loan to all site team members for the duration of the trip.

Per diem: For visits within the U.S., each site team member should be paid a per diem of $75 per day including all travel days. When visits occur outside the U.S., the per diem for each day – including all travel days – should be factored at $175 per day. Per diem is expected to be paid to the site team members the first day after arrival on site.

In-Kind Support for the Site Evaluation Team During the Site Visit: During the visit, the host institution should provide in-kind support to the site evaluation team which should include:

Note: Payments delayed more than 30 days beyond agreed upon date will incur a 10% surcharge. Additional surcharges will apply for each additional 30 days that payments are late.

Disclaimer: The institution being evaluated assumes full liability for the evaluation process, and shall not hold liable the American Communication Association, its Board of Directors, or any members of the evaluation teams.

For more information on ACA Program Accreditation, email : ACA Accreditation

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