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Mission, Vision, Values Statement Approved October 22, 2011
Preamble:
From the 1940 Founding Agreement
“The … societies creating this accrediting board, here record their intent not to create conditions, nor to have conditions created, that will tend toward standardization of educational philosophies or practices, but rather to create and maintain conditions that will encourage the development of practices suited to the conditions which are special to the individual school. The accrediting board must be guided by this intent.”
Since 1975, the NAAB Conditions for Accreditation have emphasized self-assessment and student performance as central elements of the NAAB model. The Directors have maintained their commitment to both of these as core tenets of the NAAB’s criteria and procedures.
Vision: The NAAB aspires to be the leader in establishing educational quality assurance standards to enhance the value, relevance, and effectiveness of the architectural profession.
Mission: The NAAB develops and maintains a system of accreditation in professional architecture education that is responsive to the needs of society and allows institutions with varying resources and circumstances to evolve according to their individual needs.
Values: The following principles serve as a guide and inspiration to the NAAB.
1. Shared Responsibility. The education of an architect is a responsibility shared by the academy and the profession in trust for the broader society and the public good.
2. Best Practices.The NAAB’s accreditation processes are based on best practices in professional and specialized accreditation.
3. Program Accountability. Architecture degree programs are accountable for the learning of their students. Thus, accreditation by the NAAB is based both on educational outcomes and institutional commitment to continuous improvement.
4. Preparing Graduates for Practice. A NAAB-accredited degree prepares students to live and work in a diverse world: to think critically; to make informed decisions; to communicate effectively; to engage in life-long learning; and to exercise the unique knowledge and skills required to work and develop as professionals. Graduates are prepared for architectural internship, set on the pathway to examination and licensure, and to engage in related fields.
5. Constant Conditions for Diverse Contexts. The NAAB Conditions for Accreditation are broadly defined and achievement-oriented so that programs may meet these standards within the framework of their mission and vision, allowing for initiative and innovation.This imposes conditions on both the NAAB and on architectural programs. The NAAB assumes the responsibility for undertaking a fair, thorough, and holistic evaluation process, relying essentially on the program’s ability to demonstrate how within their institutional context they meet all evaluative criteria. The process relies on evaluation and judgment that, being rendered on the basis of qualitative factors, may defy precise substantiation.
6. Continuous Improvement through Regular Review. The NAAB Conditions for Accreditation are developed through an iterative process that acknowledges and values the contributions of educators, professionals in traditional and non-traditional practice, and students.The NAAB regularly convenes conversations on critical issues (e.g. studio culture) and challenges the other four collateral partners to acknowledge and respect the perspectives of the others.
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NAAB Mission
