Clayton College of Natural Health, the nation’s leading college of natural health and holistic lifestyles, has been committed to delivering quality degree and certificate programs via distance education for nearly 30 years. In recognition of that commitment, CCNH has been awarded the Quality Standards Certification (QS) by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), the nation’s premier distance learning professional association.
USDLA/QS certification is “a standards based program that recognizes excellence across a range of distance learning settings,” according to Dr. John G. Flores, USDLA Chief Executive Officer. Clayton College has been certified as an Alternative and Continuing Education provider under the Quality Standards program.
What does USDLA/Quality Standards Certification mean to you?
It means you can rest assured that Clayton College has been through a rigorous peer review process designed to protect the public and to ensure that the college's programs meet the highest standard of quality in distance education.
“USDLA Quality Standards certification is a stringent program. The college can be justifiably proud of its accomplishment,” said Dr. Flores. “Even greater, though, is the confidence this gives students. With certification comes the assurance of fair treatment within a strong, responsive distance learning program.”
USDLA representative George Collins (above right) presents Chief Operating Officer Kay Channell with USDLA Quality Standards Certification during the CCNH 7th annual conference opening ceremonies on April 17, 2008.
Met or Exceeded Standards
USDLA/Quality Standards has three main components: Standards of Practice, the Code of Conduct, and the continuous improvement process. A school undergoing the certification process must agree to abide by the USDLA/QS Code of Conduct and complete a lengthy self–study. This self-study must include responses to how the school meets each of the 200+ Standards of Practice as well as providing proof of a commitment to the continuous improvement process. The standards address all aspects of the school – from financial viability to curriculum development, student services, advertising and admissions efforts and coursework evaluation by the faculty. Continuous quality improvement is just that – how does the school meet its continuous commitment to improving the quality of its programs, faculty, and student services.
The certification process culminates with an on-site review by a USDLA site team, including interviews with faculty, staff, and students. The USDLA site team, chaired by the Dean of the School of Education at Drake University, found that Clayton College “met or exceeded our expectations throughout.”
USDLA/QS certification is awarded for a five-year period, subject to continued satisfactory performance, adherence to the Code of Conduct, and an integral program of continuous improvement. The USDLA/QS Code of Conduct ensures that a certified institution shall conduct its activities according to high ethical principles that include, but are not limited to honesty, trustworthiness, and an intrinsic respect for the individual. Integrity must be ingrained and supported through out the certified institution with an emphasis on three areas of particular concern:
Continuous quality improvement is CCNH’s philosophy and promise to its future, current, and past students. Every day and in every way possible, CCNH seeks to improve and enhance its programs, its methods of educational delivery, and to support the continued growth and development of the faculty and staff.
Quality Standard Certification means you can rest assured that Clayton College has been through a rigorous peer review process designed to protect the public and to ensure that the college's programs meet the highest standard of quality in distance education.
About USDLA
The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. For more information visit www.usdla.org or call 1.800.275.5162.
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