Advice Needed: My Program is Losing Accreditation
I’m a junior majoring in music history with a focus on early music, specifically the baroque era. Recently, during the second week of this term, NASM, the body responsible for accrediting music schools, visited my university to evaluate our eligibility for re-accreditation. Unfortunately, after their assessment and interviews with students, we received the news that we no longer qualify for accreditation.
This situation has left me extremely worried about whether my credits will transfer to other accredited universities. I’m concerned I might have to start my degree from scratch. I know that my general education credits will transfer and that I have enough knowledge to “test out” of most of my lecture-based music courses. However, a significant portion of my degree consists of hands-on experience, and if those credits don’t transfer, I would need to redo them. This would inevitably mean becoming a part-time student for the next four years, which is quite daunting.
I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions on what to do next. I’m feeling overwhelmed and anxious, especially since Google hasn’t provided much help tailored to my situation, and it’s been tough to reach my professors since the announcement, likely due to their busy schedules.
Also, I’m not very familiar with Reddit, so if I’ve posted this in the wrong place or if there’s a better subreddit for this kind of inquiry, please let me know. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly stressful. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
Talk to Your Academic Advisor: Reach out to your academic advisor as soon as possible. They can provide guidance specific to your school’s policies and help you understand your options moving forward.
Department Head or Faculty: If your professors are busy, try to reach out to the head of your department. They may have more information about the situation and potential pathways for students impacted by the loss of accreditation.
Evaluate Transfer Options: Research other accredited universities that have strong music programs. It’s important to understand how your credits will transfer. Many schools have transfer credit evaluations you can utilize.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all relevant communications about the accreditation issue and your academic progress. This will be helpful for any appeals or discussions with other institutions.
Consider Appeals or Complaints: If you believe that this situation could have been avoided or mismanaged by the administration, you may want to consider voicing your concerns through the appropriate channels at your school.
Support Network: Connect with classmates who are in the same situation. They may have insights, and you can support each other through this process.
Mental Health Resources: Don’t hesitate to seek support from your campus counseling services. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, and talking to someone can help.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any updates from your university regarding their accreditation status and how it might affect your situation.
Remember, while this situation feels daunting right now, universities often have procedures in place to help students in situations like yours. You’re not alone in this, and by taking proactive steps, you can find a path forward. Good luck!