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| Education > Accreditation > COE manual > Confidentiality |
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Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the AVMA Council on Education (COE)
Revised April 2008
6. Confidentiality |
To ensure that all matters dealing with accreditation of colleges of veterinary medicine are conducted with integrity and objectivity, the COE has adopted a confidentiality policy. Those who participate in COE activities, including but not limited to elected COE members, non-COE site team members, appropriate AVMA staff, and the Executive Board observer on the COE, must maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information relating to accreditation and veterinary education.
- Communications with colleges, accrediting and state agencies, and the public. In order to provide colleges, accrediting and state agencies, and the public with the most accurate information possible, the COE has adopted specific policies and procedures governing all COE communications. Communications that are not consistent with the COE's policies and procedures and that have not been approved and issued by the COE are strictly prohibited. All discussions, observations, and documents associated with site visits and accreditation decisions are confidential to the COE and should not be discussed with anyone other than elected COE members, appropriate AVMA staff, the Executive Board and AAVMC observers of the COE, and non-COE site team members when necessary. Information regarding accreditation decisions cannot be shared with any individual or group other than: 1) the university and college through the official report of evaluation, 2) reports to accrediting and state agencies, and 3) the public through official announcements. Any inquiries made to COE members regarding the accreditation process or specific programs should be referred to the COE Chair and appropriate AVMA staff.
- Communications with AVMA Staff, Officers, and Members. It is the policy of the COE to ensure that its accreditation decisions are independent and are not subject to interference from any organization or individual. Appropriate AVMA staff and the designated AVMA COE observers may attend may attend COE meetings and provide assistance to the COE as necessary, and shall maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information regarding accreditation decisions. The COE Chair and appropriate AVMA staff may share non-public information regarding accreditation decisions with appropriate AVMA officials when it is of a privileged legal nature. Should the need arise to consult with other AVMA-affiliated individuals, outside experts, or other consultants, the COE Chair and appropriate AVMA staff shall be consulted beforehand.
6.1. Conflict Of Interest
To ensure that all matters dealing with accreditation of colleges of veterinary medicine are conducted in an unbiased manner, the COE has adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy. The policy extends and pertains to those COE members who have immediate family (parents, spouses, and siblings) in any of the potential conflict areas listed. Further, the policy extends to all AVMA support staff |
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| 6.1.1. COE Members (elected and public), State VMA Representatives, Consultants, and Canadian Representatives |
No member shall serve on a site visit team who:
- Is a graduate of any program in the institution being evaluated.
- Has collaborative research, teaching, or service interests with a key administrator or faculty member of the institution being evaluated. (Holding a patent interest, shared research grants, and contract teaching are examples of collaboration.)
- Is or has been employed by the institution being evaluated. (Members who have been interviewed for employment at an institution wherein some conflict arose should exclude themselves from consideration as a site visit team member.)
- Has served as a consultant on accreditation matters with the institution being evaluated.
- Is an employee or former (within the past five years) employee of the AVMA.
- Has reason to believe other conflicts of interest exist that have not been listed herein. (The member should communicate with the Chair of the Committee on Evaluation for clarification of any concerns.)
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| 6.1.2. AVMA Staff |
| Although AVMA staff members do not participate directly in decisions regarding accreditation of colleges, they are in a position to influence the outcomes of the process. Conversely, staff provide continuity to the evaluation process. |
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No AVMA Staff Member will serve on a site visit team who:
- Has graduated during the past five years from a college being evaluated.
- Has been employed during the past five years by a college being evaluated.
- Has close personal or familial relationships with key personnel in the college being evaluated.
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| 6.1.3. Public Member |
| Although AVMA staff members do not participate directly in decisions regarding accreditation of colleges, they are in a position to influence the outcomes of the process. Conversely, staff provide continuity to the evaluation process. |
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No public member shall be appointed to the COE who:
- 1. Holds the DVM or VMD degree.
- 2. Is a faculty member or administrator of a college of veterinary medicine.
- 3. Is a current or former employee of a school or college of veterinary medicine.
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American Veterinary Medical Association
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
