CVTEA accreditation policies and procedures

Last update to this section: January 2024

XIII. Special Site Visit

If review of information indicates that major changes have occurred in an accredited program that may impact a program's ability to meet the Standards of Accreditation, an on-site evaluation may be requested. A special site visit would then be conducted to determine the program's degree of compliance with the Standards of Accreditation. A special site visit can be either focused or comprehensive, depending on the nature of the concerns. The letter of notification of this action from CVTEA will indicate the scope of the visit and any specific areas of concern.

Special site visits are conducted when it is necessary for the CVTEA to review information about the program that can only be obtained or documented on-site. The CVTEA may also request a special report from the involved program prior to conducting a special site visit. Special site visits are conducted for the following reasons:

  • to assess the program's progress in implementing recommendations (previously identified deficiencies) from the most recent site visit report of evaluation
  • to assess the impact of major changes (in curriculum, faculty, facilities, etc.) on the program's ability to continue to meet the Standards of Accreditation
  • to investigate a complaint raising questions about the program's compliance with the Standards of Accreditation
  • to respond to a request from the chief executive officer or program administrator.

Programs are responsible for all costs associated with a special site visit.

Special Site Visit Team Composition

Depending on the circumstances prompting the special site visit and on the need for particular expertise, the CVTEA will determine the personnel necessary to conduct the visit. The Committee may appoint any or all of the following: AVMA staff, CVTEA member(s), state veterinarian representative, veterinary technician representative, public representative.