New Accreditor Seeks to Turn ‘Bean-Counting’ Process Into Outcomes-Focused One

The higher education landscape is perpetually shifting, and the emergence of the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) as a new accreditor signals a potentially significant realignment. For too long, accreditation has been perceived by many institutions, and rightly so, as a largely performative exercise – a tedious process of “bean-counting” to satisfy arbitrary metrics. This new accreditor, spearheaded by Mark Becker, aims to fundamentally change that, prioritizing demonstrable outcomes over bureaucratic checklists. The move comes at a crucial time, as institutions grapple with questions of value, affordability, and relevance in a rapidly evolving world. It’s a development that deserves close attention, especially considering the ongoing conversations around institutional leadership, as seen in the recently posted Featured Gig: Provost and Chief Academic Innovation Officer at Alliant University, and the consistent pressure to maintain high rankings, exemplified by the Rankings: UW recognized as one of the best universities in the world.

The criticisms leveled at traditional accreditation bodies are well-worn but valid. The focus on inputs – number of programs, faculty credentials, library resources – often obscures the actual impact an institution has on student learning and career readiness. Shifting to an outcomes-focused model, as CPHE proposes, is a laudable goal. This means demonstrating tangible results: graduation rates, job placement rates, alumni success, and the development of skills that are genuinely valued by employers. It’s a more holistic and arguably more meaningful assessment of an institution's worth. However, the devil will be in the details. Defining and measuring “outcomes” is inherently complex and susceptible to manipulation. There’s a risk that institutions could prioritize easily quantifiable metrics, potentially at the expense of more nuanced or long-term educational goals. Furthermore, the very act of defining what constitutes a desirable outcome can be politically fraught, reflecting particular societal values or economic priorities. The need for rigorous, transparent, and adaptable outcome frameworks will be paramount to ensuring CPHE’s success.

The creation of a public higher education accreditor also speaks to a growing unease among public institutions regarding the influence of for-profit accreditation agencies. While these agencies play a role, there’s a perception that their interests may not always align with the missions and values of public universities—institutions often deeply rooted in public service and accessible education. A dedicated accreditor focused on the specific needs and challenges of public institutions could offer a more equitable and responsive assessment process. It’s worth noting that this shift occurs alongside evolving discussions about the future of specialized fields and the skills needed to thrive, as highlighted in Building Scientists in the AI Era. Understanding how accreditation can support the development of these emerging skills will be key for institutions navigating this new landscape. This isn’t necessarily about creating a siloed system; rather, it’s about building a more diverse and responsive accreditation ecosystem.

Ultimately, CPHE’s emergence presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity lies in fostering a more meaningful and outcome-driven assessment of higher education. The challenge lies in ensuring that this new approach is implemented thoughtfully, equitably, and with a clear understanding of the complexities inherent in measuring educational impact. What will be the key indicators CPHE prioritizes, and how will they safeguard against unintended consequences or the narrowing of educational focus? The next few years will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious endeavor can truly transform the accreditation process and contribute to a stronger, more accountable, and more relevant higher education system.