Introduction to the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation

Introduction to the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)

Purpose of Today’s Training After this training, participants will: Be familiar with the organization of FEPAC Have a broad overview of the accreditation process Know where to find policies, procedures, and forms Know dates for various submission deadlines How to prepare the initial application How to prepare the self-study report Become familiar with the On-Site Evaluator role

Organization of the Training Module 1 What to know about FEPAC Module 2 Application Module 3 Self-study Standard 3.0 – General for all programs Module 4 Self-study Standard 4.0 – Undergraduate programs Module 5 Self-study Standard 5.0 – Graduate programs Module 6 Accreditation decisions and categories, appeal process, annual report, substantive changes, post- visit survey Module 7 FEPAC on-site evaluator training

Module 1: What to know about FEPAC Mission statement Website Commission composition and qualifications The role of the FEPAC Commissioners FEPAC policies and procedures (PPM) FEPAC standards Timeline How do changes to standards and PPM occur?

FEPAC Mission Statement The mission of FEPAC is to maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education through a formal evaluation and accreditation system for college-level academic programs that lead to a baccalaureate or graduate degree.

FEPAC Website - Homepage

FEPAC Website

FEPAC Website

FEPAC Website

FEPAC Commissioners Five forensic science educators Five forensic science practitioners One public member Accreditation Coordinator Concordance officer Term ending Feb 2021

New Commissioners 2021 Thomas Brettell, PhD, Cedar Crest College Josh Brunty, MS, Marshall University Lynn Schneeweis, Massachusetts State Police Lab

Duties of Commissioners Review and update policies and procedures, Review and update standards, Evaluate applications for accreditation, Appoint site-visit teams, Evaluate self-study reports and site team reports, Vote on accreditation status for applicants.

How do you become a Commissioner for FEPAC? Qualifications for academician: Faculty member or administrator from a FEPAC accredited program Member or Fellow of AAFS Qualifications for practitioner: Desirable to have one or more of the following: Forensic laboratory experience, hiring, training ASCLD membership Service to AAFS or other forensic organizations FEPAC on-site evaluator experience Member or Fellow of AAFS

How do you become a Commissioner for FEPAC? FEPAC solicits nominations for vacancies to the Commission from relevant constituencies to include ASCLD, members and fellows of AAFS, regional forensic science organizations and others. Letter stating qualifications submitted to the Accreditation Coordinator.

Accreditation Coordinator for FEPAC The Accreditation Coordinator serves as an active consultant in support of the work of the Commission and as a liaison to the AAFS Board of Directors and staff. Nancy J. Jackson Accreditation Coordinator American Academy of Forensic Sciences 410 North 21st Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2798 (719) 636-1100 (719) 636-1993 (fax) [email protected]

Other items related to Commissioners found in the Policies and Procedures Manual Selecting Chair of the Commission Terms of Office Vacancies Meetings Attendance Quorum Fiscal Policies

Policies and Procedures Manual

Policies and Procedures Manual Accreditation Commission policies Accreditation Process Operating Policies and Procedures - Appeal process - Complaints - Confidentiality - Conflict of interest - Revision of standards - Forms - Dues and fees

FEPAC Standards

FEPAC Standards

FEPAC Standards 3.0 General Standards for all programs 4.0 Undergraduate Program Standards 5.0 Graduate Program Standards

How do Standards change? PPM 4.11 Review of Standards FEPAC review standards each year FEPAC surveys programs and evaluators FEPAC conducts extensive 5-year review of standards PPM 4.12 Revision of Standards FEPAC determines a need to make changes FEPAC Commission may form task force FEPAC provides notice: “Call for Comments” FEPAC finalizes changes and publishes new standards

FEPAC Accreditation Timeline