Commissions of elected peer representatives of member institutions meet periodically to review application materials including Self-Studies, Visitors’ Reports, and Optional Responses to Visitors’ Reports. Commission action is the culminating synthesis function in the accreditation process. In fulfilling this function, the Commission 1) applies the standards of the Association to institutional programs in theatre in a manner that preserves their uniqueness and supports their development, and 2) makes recommendations that will help the institution develop its own best future for theatre. These decisions, recommendations, and any requests for further information are communicated to the institution via a Commission Action Report.
Outline of Possible Commission Actions
Possible Commission Actions on First-Time Applications for Membership:
- The institution is approved for Associate Membership for a period of five years.
- The institution is approved for Membership for a period of five years.
- The institution is approved for Associate Membership or Membership for a period of five years with a request for one or more Progress Reports confirming implementation of plans and/or completion of ongoing issues as outlined by the Commission.
- Action on the application of the institution is deferred pending one or more of the following: 1) receipt of additional information necessary to determine whether the institution meets NAST standards; 2) response to the stated concerns of the Commission about failure to meet NAST standards; 3) response indicating the correction of deficiencies as outlined by the Commission. Progress Reports and Responses are normally requested in the form of written submissions.
- The application for Membership is denied with notice of rights to request reconsideration or to appeal.
Possible Commission Actions on Applications for Membership or Renewal of Membership:
- The institution with Associate Membership is granted Membership for a period of five years.
- The institution with Membership is granted renewal of Membership for a period of ten years.
- The institution with Associate Membership is granted Membership for a period of five years with a request for one or more Progress Reports confirming implementation of plans and/or completion of ongoing issues as outlined by the Commission.
- The institution with Membership is granted renewal of Membership for a period of ten years with a request for one or more Progress Reports confirming implementation of plans and/or completion of ongoing issues as outlined by the Commission.
- Membership of the institution is continued, but action on the application of the institution for renewal of Membership is deferred pending one or more of the following: 1) receipt of additional information necessary to determine whether the institution meets NAST standards; 2) response to the stated concerns of the Commission about failure to meet NAST standards; 3) response indicating the correction of deficiencies as outlined by the Commission. Progress Reports and Responses are normally requested in the form of written submissions.
- The institution is issued a show-cause statement with regard to administrative warning.
- The institution is given an administrative warning.
- The institution is placed on probation with notice of right to request reconsideration.
- The application for Membership or renewal of Membership is denied with notice of rights to request reconsideration or to appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Possible Commission Actions
How do I interpret a Commission Action Report?
The best way to interpret a Commission Action Report is to review the cited references to institutional materials in light of cited Handbook standards and guidelines. Please contact the National Office staff for assistance finding cited standards.
What does deferral mean?
In the accreditation process, the Commission finds a situation in which an institution cannot be given initial accreditation or renewal of accreditation on the basis of evidence presented. This may be because the institution already does not meet the standards as outlined in the NAST Handbook, or because the institution does not appear to meet the standards as outlined in the NAST Handbook, or because sufficient information has not been provided.
Rather than take a negative action on the application (deny accreditation or place the institution on probation), the Commission defers any action until certain conditions are met which clarify the situation and/or bring the institution into compliance. Deferral is not a negative action but a mechanism for dialogue between the Commission and an institution.
Member institutions with applications deferred continue their current membership status, and maintain all rights and responsibilities of Membership. Deferral does not mean that an institution has lost its accreditation, or its right to vote during the Annual Meeting, or its listing in the NAST Directory Lists. It simply indicates that the institution has one or more issues that need to be addressed/reviewed/explained in more detail before the institution’s application can be approved.
There is no public notice of deferral. Commission Action Reports are sent only to the institutional representative and to the president of the institution. The NAST staff does not discuss an institution’s status or application with anyone other than the institutional representative.
What percentage of institutions is deferred?
The percentage varies from Commission meeting to Commission meeting. It is not unusual for institutions engaged in full reviews to be asked to clarify issues. Normally, these issues are resolved within six months to one year; this approach enables institutions and the Commission to reach agreement without the expense of new Self-Studies or extra visits.
What is the best way to communicate with the Commission?
Communication with the Commission typically occurs via written correspondence of accreditation related materials in reply to the items requested in a Commission Action Report (i.e., Responses and Progress Reports). Additional communication requests may be made via email through the office of the Executive Director.