Overview

Join us to preview the first draft of proposed revisions to the Standards of Accreditation, Policies, Self-Study Ideas, and Board Procedures. This is the first opportunity for ATS members to see how their feedback from the spring 2024 review process has shaped the proposed changes—and to continue participating in this important process that will culminate at the 2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting. 

The Process Leading to this Webinar
In February 2024, the Board of Commissioners authorized a review of the Standards of Accreditation and the Board-approved Policies. This review follows the Commission Policy on Board Responsibilities, which calls for periodic evaluation of these guiding documents.

To support the review, more than 400 individuals from member schools, 106 experienced peer reviewers, and six members of the public offered feedback on the clarity, consistency, and usefulness of the Standards and Policies. This input created a rich base of data, which a Board-appointed working committee studied over nine months. Based on its analysis, the committee recommended changes to the Standards and Policies (which require membership approval) as well as to the Self-Study Ideas and Board Procedures (which require Board approval). These recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Commissioners in June.

Next Steps After the Webinar
The first draft presented during the webinar will be posted on a dedicated page of the ATS website after the event. Members are invited to review and submit feedback by August 15. This input will help shape a refined version, which will be shared in fall 2025.

The final version will go to the Board of Commissioners in February 2026, and the revised Standards and Policies will be presented for a membership vote at the 2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting, which will be held from June 23-25, 2026.