In order to facilitate the evaluation of Adult Degree Completion Programs in NCA member institutions, the Board of Trustees has adopted a set of Principles of Good Practice in Adult Degree Completion Programs, developed by a special Task Force, as a framework for program implementation. In conjunction with the Principles of Good Practice, the Board also accepted the recommendation of the Task Force and adopted the guidelines developed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that deal with Assessing Prior Learning for Credit.

The Report of the Task Force on Adult Degree Completion Programs (ADC) provides a summary of the study conducted to learn what member institutions in NCA are doing in their programs designed specifically to address the needs of working adults. Included in the document is a set of Principles of Good Practice in Adult Degree Completion Programs to be observed by NCA institutions and used by team members in evaluating patterns of evidence during accreditation reviews, and guidelines institutions are encouraged to use in Assessing Prior Learning for Credit (as developed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education). This downloadable report contains:

• lessons learned regarding strengths and concerns in ADC programs
• exemplary principles of good practice
• observations regarding the impact of ADC programs
• a set of strategies appropriate for an accrediting commission to follow in assisting institutions that deliver adult degree completion programs

Additionally, the appendices to the report contain:

• The Charge to the Task Force from the Board of Trustees
• The Membership of the Task Force
• The document, Survey of Characteristics and Practices, that the Task Force used in the study
• A list of institutions invited to respond to the Survey
• Principles of Good Practice in Adult Degree Completion Programs (identified by the Task Force and adopted by the board)
• Assessing Prior Learning for Credit (developed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education)
• Principles of Effectiveness for Serving Adult Learners (CAEL)
• Principles of Good Practice for Alternative and External Degree Programs for Adults (American Council on Education and the Adult Higher Education Alliance)