The Daily Bulletin Archive

The Music Department is preparing for a three-day on-site review by accreditation evaluators from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) March 9–11. The site visit is the second stage in a three-part accreditation-proposal process that began with the department’s self-study and will conclude with a decision from the Commission on Accreditation. A favorable decision would bring the college one step closer to its goal of 100 percent accreditation of eligible programs. This is the department’s first attempt at accreditation.

Formerly housed with theater and dance in a department called Performing Arts, the college’s music programs gained independence in 2004 on the recommendation of a joint committee of evaluators from NASM and the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Since its formation, the Music Department has been continually aligning itself with the standards of excellence set forth by NASM. Brad Fuster, associate professor, was hired as chair in 2005. Facilities, technology, and programs were expanded and upgraded. Curricula for both degree programs—the bachelor of arts in music and the bachelor of music education—were overhauled, with the latter undergoing substantial revisions.

“The self-study process has been illuminating for all involved,” said Fuster. “The standards and procedures by which we operate were all under examination, and have led to some significant discoveries, and more importantly have provided a vehicle to discuss what we do, and how we can better serve students at Buffalo State College.”

NASM standards are stringent. Accreditation reviews focus on institutional integrity and educational quality and improvements. The site visit will include interviews with department administrators, faculty, students, and alumni; the president and provost; the deans of the schools of Education and Arts and Humanities; and representatives from various campus departments. The accreditation team will observe student teachers in the field and confer with their supervising instructors. Instrumental and vocal performances have been arranged for observation and evaluation.

An extremely small percentage of programs receive unconditional accreditation on first attempt. The Commission on Accreditation stresses that it is “not unusual for institutions engaged in full reviews to be asked to clarify issues.” The department should be given time to resolve any outstanding matters, allowing the commission and the college to reach agreement without having to duplicate any part of the process.

Founded in 1924, NASM is the national accrediting agency for music and music-related disciplines. The association currently has more than 600 accredited institutional members.