Higher education associations come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The accreditation of colleges and universities, as well as their programs, is one of the most well-known. Other higher education associations are concerned with specific student populations or sectors within the field. Additional higher education associations provide opportunities for scholarly or social networking for college faculty, administrators, students, and alumni.
The accrediting bodies for colleges and universities in the United States are different from those in other countries.
Government agencies usually accredit higher education institutions outside of the United States.
Private organizations accredit colleges and universities in the United States, and accreditation is voluntary.
Regional associations accredit U.S. colleges and universities in their respective geographic areas.
In the United States, national accreditation associations usually accredit programs in specific majors or professions like journalism, law, nursing, or medicine.
A second type of higher education association, in addition to accreditation associations, is concerned with students from various demographic groups.
There are organizations that focus on women or students of specific races or ethnicities, for example. These organizations work to promote educational equity for specific student groups and can offer scholarships, career development, and support programs. They also offer social networking opportunities to their members and frequently hold conferences or forums where members can share information and ideas.
Some higher education associations are focused on specific areas of higher education.
Several organizations, for example, are concerned with public institutions, while others are concerned with the needs of private colleges and universities.
Other affiliations concern schools that are associated with a specific religion or religious sect.
Even distance learning education programs have their own associations.
Additional higher education associations provide networking opportunities for faculty, administrators, and students at colleges and universities.
These organizations promote research and scholarship while also encouraging professionalism in higher education.
They also provide opportunities for social networking through conferences and forums.
Some of these organizations publish newsletters or magazines to provide their members with additional educational and social networking opportunities.
An alumni association is another type of higher education organization.
These social networks are open to graduates of specific colleges and universities.
They usually have to pay a membership fee in order to do so.
Alumni associations allow graduates of their institutions and programs to connect with one another and stay in touch.
They frequently provide members with a newsletter or magazine, as well as alumni e-mail lists and annual social events.