Code of Ethics


 

Code of Ethics for Accreditation of Programs
Incorporates all changes approved by the Accreditation Council on November 12, 2016
     Article 1 In accordance with Article 7 of the Policies for Accreditation of Programs, the Accreditation Council, hereafter called the Council, has formulated the Code of Ethics of Accreditation of Programs for the purpose of ensuring objectivity and fairness of the accreditation process and action and to maintain confidentiality of all accreditation documents and decision-making process. All committee members, staff, and members of accreditation team who are associated with the Accreditation Council must abide scrupulously by the following in their accreditation undertakings and professional conducts.
     Article 2 All personnel associated with the Council and members of the accreditation team shall identify with the values and spirits of accreditation. They must uphold the honor and credibility of the community by exhibiting professionalism, fairness, and respect for others when executing accreditation.
     Article 3 For the purpose of sustaining the impartiality and independence, members of the Appeal and Review Committee must excuse themselves of the appeal process if they are member of the accreditation team of the appealing program.
     Article 4 Accreditation team member must attend at least one IEET program evaluator training workshop, comply with accreditation principles, and conduct each review and interview following the Accreditation Criteria.
     Article 5 Individual affiliated in the following respects with a program under review must voluntarily disclose the affiliation and avoid being involved in the accreditation process:
     Article 6 Accreditation team member must exhibit genuine dedication to one’s work, carefully examining the program's self-study report and related documents prior to the review. Compliance with the accreditation timeline is required. In addition to full participation of every accreditation procedure, member should avoid tardiness and early departure.
  • Having, in the past three years, held or is currently holding a full-time or part-time position in the program;
  • Having awarded the highest academic degree by the program;
  • Having awarded an honorary degree by the university that the program belongs to;
  • Having spouse or relative up to twice removed works or enrolled in the program;
  • Holding a paid position as member of an advisory committee or a board, etc. in the university that the program belongs to;
  • Serving as a member of the program's advisory or self-study committee during the same academic year when a review occurs;
  • Having any other stake-holding affiliations with the program that is capable of undermining objectivity.
     Article 7 Accreditation team members must cooperate in mutual respect. They must not shirk responsibilities or workload, cite professional recommendation from other member without one’s consent, or probe into/criticize privacy/opinions of other team members.
     Article 8 Accreditation team members and staff must remain impartiality, declining all forms of lobbying, improper reception, and gifts. The Office of the Executive Director shall arrange and pay for the expenses for the accreditation team's meals, accommodation, and transportation during the on-site visit.
     Article 9 Accreditation team member must endeavor to speak in a moderate manner, express sincerity, listen attentively and respect the input of the program; one should refrain from excessive communication and feedback, and consciously adhere to the roles of an "interviewer" and "listener."
     Article 10 Accreditation team member must examine document for accuracy and completeness through triangulation and allow program to explain and respond. The team must record the program's actual merit and area for improvement in written form that complies with the IEET format, using language that is fair, reasonable, clear, succinct, and non-emotional.
     Article 11 Accreditation team member must keep one’s identities confidential prior to the review. Direct contact with the program seeking accreditation should be avoided. Member shall contact IEET liaison should any requests concerning accreditation arise. Prior to the promulgation of the accreditation action, member of the accreditation team should not give lecture or attend activity related to accreditation on invitation by program or university.
     Article 12 Document provided by program is to be used exclusively for accreditation purpose. Disclosure is forbidden unless formal authorization is otherwise obtained from program. Accreditation form filled out by accreditation team member, as well as any meeting minutes or record of discussion during the accreditation process is classified, not to be disclosed to the public.
     Article 13 Individual involved in reviewing documents during the accreditation process must observe the confidential principles and is forbidden to publicly discuss the contents. Individual involved with the deliberation of accreditation action is also forbidden to discuss the matter in public.
     Article 14 Accreditation team members and staff must sign the “Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement” before nomination and re-endorse the agreement should further revision be made.
     Article 15 All members, staff, and accreditation team members associated with the Council are responsible for familiarizing themselves with this document; all ethics-related issues should be confronted, treated, and addressed based on this document.
     Article 16 This document and any revisions thereto shall be approved by the Council and promulgated for implementation by the Council Chair.