Higher education associations include accreditation organizations, student demographic groups, sector-specific organizations, and networking opportunities for faculty, administrators, and alumni. In the US, private organizations accredit colleges and universities, while outside the US, government agencies generally do so. Alumni associations allow graduates to stay in touch and offer social events.
There are several different types of higher education associations. Among the best known are the associations for the accreditation of colleges and universities and their programs. Other higher education associations relate to specific student populations or specific sectors in the field of higher education. Additional higher education associations provide academic or social networking opportunities for college faculty members, administrators, and students or alumni.
Higher education associations that accredit colleges and universities in the United States differ from those in other countries. Outside the US, government agencies generally accredit higher education institutions. In the United States, private organizations accredit colleges and universities, and accreditation is voluntary. Regional associations accredit US institutions of higher education in their specific geographic areas. National accrediting associations in the US often accredit programs for specific courses or professions, such as journalism, law, nursing, or medicine.
In addition to accrediting associations, a second type of higher education association refers to students from various demographic categories. There are organizations, for example, that focus on women or students of certain races or ethnicities. These groups promote equity in education for specified student sectors and may provide scholarships, career development and support programs. They also provide social networking opportunities for their members and often have conferences or forums that allow for an exchange of information and ideas between members.
Some higher education associations concern specific sectors in the field of higher education. Several organizations, for example, relate to public institutions and others focus on the interests of private colleges and universities. Other associations pertain to schools affiliated with a specific religion or religious sect. There are even associations related to distance education programs.
Additional higher education associations provide networking opportunities for college and university faculty, administrators, and students. These organizations promote professionalism in higher education and promote research and scholarship. They also provide social networking opportunities through conferences and forums. Some of these associations publish newsletters or magazines that provide additional social networking and educational opportunities for their members.
One more type of higher education association is an alumni association. Graduates of individual colleges and universities are eligible to join these social networks. They usually have to pay a membership fee to do this. Alumni associations allow graduates of their institutions and programs to connect and stay in touch with alumni classmates. They often offer a newsletter or magazine, alumni email lists, and annual social events for members to enjoy.
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