title: Is accreditation in the public interest?
abstract: The relationship of accreditation to the public interest has been a topic of discussion in the media as well as in higher education circles as the topic has been politicized. This article examines the historical evolution of public involvement in the accreditation process as well as the reasons for public representation on accreditation bodies and in decision making. The links between accreditation and quality control are discussed and assessed.
authors.affiliation: University Center at Tulsa, Ellison Bay, SI 54210, USA.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: MacKinney
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Wolfman
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D004493:Education / Q000592:standards; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D011057:Politics; D011786:Quality Control; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014146:Training Support; D014481:United States