THE EVOLUTION OF REGIONAL ACCREDITATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF THE NORTH CENTRAL ASSOCIATION, 1895–1934

This paper traces the factors which led to one regional association, the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, adopting an accreditation role by default rather than by design. The failure of National Bodies to adopt this role is also high‐lighted, although their influence on regional bodies is clearly indicated. The change from a resources‐based to a process‐based accreditation system has been part of the long evolutionary process, but the difficulties inherent in this approach still confront the American system of Higher Education