FAQs: Site Visit Observation

An Observer on a site visit team is a representative from a nursing program beginning its initial or continuing accreditation review process. The Observer accompanies the peer evaluators on a site visit team during the review of a nursing program’s continuing accreditation site visit. The Observer may attend meetings with college administrators, faculty, staff, and students; review documents in the Repository; tour educational and clinical facilities; and observe the site visit team’s interactions. However, Observers are not permitted to ask questions during interviews nor interfere with the site visit team’s agenda.

The purpose of the Observer experience is to broaden the program representative’s knowledge of the site visit experience through immersive engagement in site visit activities including pre-visit functions and post-visit team and program responsibilities.

The individual accompanying the peer evaluators on a site visit team as an Observer will need to complete the ACEN Peer Evaluator online training prior to going on the visit. The person will be provided a login and will earn continuing education credits for completing the online training. In addition, the Observer should read the program’s Self-Study Report prior to the site visit to gain a better understanding of the program.

The Observer is responsible for all expenses associated with a site visit (e.g., travel, lodging, meals, etc.). The Observer is expected to make his/her own travel arrangements and to inform the host nursing program and site visit Team Chair regarding those arrangements. It is customary for the host nursing program to meet the peer evaluators at the prearranged airport, train station, or bus station and transport the peer evaluators to the place of lodging. Typically, it is possible to include the Observer in these onsite travel arrangements if it is coordinated between the program and the team chair. If onsite travel for the Observer is not coordinated with the program, the Observer will be responsible for their own onsite travel arrangements.

The prospective Observer should complete the Online Form. In addition, the prospective Observer must include his/her curriculum vitae with the submission of the Observer Intake Form. Upon receipt of the Form and the prospective Observer’s curriculum vitae, the ACEN staff will review the documents and contact the prospective Observer within four weeks of submission.