MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Elizabeth H. Mahaffey, PhD, RN
It has been just a few days since I returned from attending one of the four NLNAC Self-Study Forums presented this year. Four Self-Study Forums! Our staff has been stretching themselves to meet the needs of our programs. I was able to share a small part in the Forum, but I mostly enjoyed meeting the program faculty and leaders who are seeking initial accreditation or continuing accreditation with NLNAC. Many attendees shared wonderful evaluation comments about the quality of the Forum as well as the networking opportunities. If you missed attending a Forum this year, Spring Self-Study Forums are already posted on the website. Over the next few months, there are several other opportunities that our constituent members should consider. An e-mail invitation was recently distributed seeking volunteers for the Standards and Criteria Review Subcommittees, which will develop the 2013 Standards and Criteria. If you missed the e-mail invitation, look for additional information in this issue of Bridges. Another exciting event is the free workshop for practical nursing programs, Achieving Accreditation: A Workshop for Practical Nursing Programs, which will be offered in December. Finally, while we are welcoming new members to the NLNAC Board of Commissioners, we will also be seeking nominations for the 2012 election. Watch the website for more information about these opportunities. On behalf of the current Board of Commissioners, I wish you a wonderful academic year.

NLNAC RECEIVES CONTINUING CHEA RECOGNITION - For the past eighteen (18) months, the NLNAC has been engaged in review for recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The process requires submission of petitions for both eligibility and recognition; observation of NLNAC accreditation processes by CHEA representatives; and an appearance before CHEA’s Committee on Recognition. At its meeting on September 19-20, 2011, the CHEA Board of Directors reviewed the recommendation of the CHEA Committee on Recognition regarding the recognition application submitted by the NLNAC. The Committee on Recognition recommended that the NLNAC be recognized with no stipulations, and the CHEA Board of Directors accepted the Committee’s recommendation and granted recognition to the NLNAC without any recommendations or concerns. In accordance with CHEA Recognition Policy and Procedures, the NLNAC will undergo its next full review in ten (10) years, the maximum length of recognition.

SPRING 2012 SELF-STUDY FORUMS ARE QUICKLY FILLING - There are two Forums scheduled to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, in Spring 2012 (March 15-16 and March 19-20). As with recent Forums, registrations are quickly reaching maximum numbers, so register early to ensure your participation. Each Forum has a two-hour special session offered preceding the start of the Forum on day one. The first of the Spring Forums will be offering the special session A Focus on Standard 6 Outcomes. This special session delves deeper into the issues of compliance with Standard 6 and systematic evaluation of the nursing program. The second Forum is scheduled to offer the special session The Novice Accreditee. Developed for programs, faculty, and administrators new to the NLNAC accreditation process, it provides a better understanding of the Candidacy program and challenging concepts and terminology in the accreditation process. To learn more about the Self-Study Forums and to reserve your space, visit us online at www.nlnac.org. Register today.