Happy New Year!
ANNUAL REPORTS – DUE FEBRUARY 6, 2026
ALL Accredited Programs: The Annual Report and Faculty Profiles are available for completion. All program directors should have received a link to complete the report on December 12, 2025. You can also find the link here. In addition to completing the survey, programs must ensure Faculty Profiles are current in the eAccreditation portal. Minor program changes must be reported on the Annual Report. If uncertain whether the change is classified as a minor change or a significant change, refer to ACOTE Policy IV.B.1. Additions or Changes.
As part of the annual report review process, all program websites will be reviewed to ensure compliance with Standards:
- A.4.2. Publication of Program Outcomes
- A.4.3. Publication of ACOTE Information
- A.4.4. Published Policies and Procedures
For guidance, see the Sample Program Webpage.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR WEBSITES ARE UP TO DATE TO AVOID AN AREA OF NONCOMPLIANCE! CHECK YOUR LINKS!
Common errors:
- Does not include the total cost of tuition
- Graduation rates are not current or do not have the total of the 3 previous years
- ACOTE address is incorrect
- The link to ACOTE goes to AOTA
- Incorrect link to NBCOT
An abbreviated Annual Report survey for programs with Candidacy and Preaccreditation Status will be distributed this week and is due February 6, 2026.
STANDARD CLARIFICATIONS
2023 ACOTE Standard A.6.5. Graduation Rates
To provide additional clarity on how to report graduation rates ACOTE:
1. Modified the interpretive guide and further defined on time (G1). ON TIME (G1): The number of students who graduated according to the published program length. If a student does not graduate according to the published program length, the student should not be counted in any graduation rate.
2. Updated the Glossary and defined:
- FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT ACADEMIC YEAR: An academic year is a minimum of 30 weeks of instruction time for credit hours and a minimum of 26 weeks of instruction time for clock hours. Full-time equivalent is determined by the institutional policies (U.S. Department of Education, 2021).
- ACADEMIC YEAR: The 12-month period used by the institution to organize instructional activities, enrollment, and academic progression.
- CALENDAR YEAR: 12-month period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31 of the same year.
POLICY CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS
ACOTE Policy V.A. Fees: ACOTE has approved a change to the Fact-Finding Fee structure, moving from a variable amount based on actual costs to a standardized flat fee, in order to facilitate more accurate budgeting for programs.
ACOTE Policy V.E. Standards Revision Process: ACOTE updated the language and further clarified the process in the Standards Revision Process.
ACOTE Policy IV.B.3. Locations Transitioning to Independent Accreditation: ACOTE updated the language and further clarified the process.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Programs should visit the ACOTE website for the most current and comprehensive list of upcoming events and to register: https://acoteonline.org/events-workshops/
Conversation with ACOTE
ACOTE provides program directors, faculty, and other communities of interest the opportunity to engage directly with ACOTE in an open conversation. Register here to attend the session on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 8:00 pm EST.
Annual Report Webinars
The Accreditation Department is hosting free, one-hour webinars focused on tips and guidance for successfully completing the Annual Report. Secure your spot by registering here to join on January 7 at 12:00 pm or January 12 at 3:00 pm EST.
‘Cred Talks
New to the Program Director role? Or looking for more details on ACOTE Standards and Policies? Join the accreditation department for a one-hour interactive informative session designed to provide essential accreditation resources and guidance to help you succeed as a Program Director.
Interim Report Workshop (virtual)
Discover key insights into the Standards featured in the Interim Report and learn what’s expected for successful completion. This interactive session is designed to help you feel confident and prepared.
Self-Study Workshop
We have slots available for upcoming Self-Study Workshops. The Self-Study Preparation Workshop is designed to meet the needs of program directors and faculty preparing for an upcoming self-study review and new program directors wanting to understand more about the accreditation process.
REMINDERS
- Ensure your “FACULTY” tab in the eAccreditation portal is updated.
- Notification to ACOTE Requirements: Standard A.1.4. requires programs to Inform ACOTE within 30 days of the resignation of the program director or appointment of a new or interim program director.
- It is the responsibility of the program director to remain current with the most recent Standards Interpretive Guide and ACOTE® policies located on www.acoteonline.org. Updates to these documents are reported on the ACOTE® website after each ACOTE® meeting.
RESOURCES
The ACOTE website (www.acoteonline.org) is a valuable resource for information. You can find information on program numbers, past ACOTE actions, past newsletters, frequently asked questions, forms, templates and much more.
The Accreditation Department is also a good resource. Please do not hesitate to contact the accreditation department at accred@aota.org if you have any questions or concerns.