One of the earliest review agencies approving colleges was the University Senate of The United Methodist Church.  Founded in 1892, the Senate continues its work today, reviewing every UM-related school at least once every 10 years.  (For 12 years I was a staff member supporting the work of the Senate.  Since 2004, I have been served as an elected Senator. But I digress!)

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), one of six regional accreditors in the United States, began in 1896.  Specialized and national bodies came much later.

Originally, accrediting bodies were voluntary groups of educators committed to improving the quality of their educational institutions. Membership was not compulsory; not having membership in an accrediting group was not a critical blow to a college’s life or community standing.

The power and influence of accrediting associations changed significantly with the 1952 GI Bill, the landmark legislation providing resources for veterans to attend college. With the investment of financial resources, the government sensed the need for a federal review process to assure the quality and integrity of the educational programs. 

Rather than create a government review agency, the legislation designated affirmation by an existing accrediting body to be the means for measuring institutional quality.  GI Bill eligibility was limited to students at institutions approved by accrediting bodies.

While membership in regional accrediting bodies remained voluntary, membership also became essential, even critical.  Membership in the accrediting bodies mushroomed and their power increased.  Hiwassee College, long recognized by the University Senate, was first accredited by SACS in 1952.

The requirements of the GI Bill meant truly voluntary participation in accrediting associations was lost.  Without access to the GI Bill, colleges could not draw the veterans to campus.  Who could say “no” to the funds to recruit students?  

There is no evidence the voluntary accrediting bodies objected to this new motivation for colleges to receive institutional review.  In addition, with the nation divided among six regional bodies, a college had no choice regarding the accrediting body it might desire to join.  More accurately, there was only one choice: be reviewed by the association for your region, or have no accreditation — and no access to GI Bill resources.

Accrediting became more complicated with the Higher Education Act of 1963.

Next week:  more accrediting options, more requirements—and more power.