Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: A Comprehensive Overview
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), a private, independent institution with a rich history dating back to 1881, is dedicated to academic and research excellence. The College focuses on educating future healthcare leaders and converting scientific breakthroughs into therapies that benefit humanity. ACPHS has been recognized as the #1 value-added college in the United States by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education and the Brookings Institution.
Accreditation and Oversight
ACPHS is subject to regular evaluations and reviews by accreditation bodies to ensure quality and compliance with standards. These evaluations include site visits, self-study reports, and monitoring reports.
Key Accreditation Actions:
June 8, 2023: A verification visit took place at the main campus at 106 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.
February 17, 2022: Acknowledgment of receipt of the substantive change request to include alternative delivery method-distance education within the institution's scope of accreditation. The Commission noted that it may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2027-2028.
April 29, 2021: Acknowledgment of receipt of the substantive change request and noting the institution's decision to close its additional location at 261 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT 05446. Immediate notification was required when instruction ceased at the additional location. The Commission noted that it may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2027-2028.
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April 29, 2021: Approval of the teach-out plan for the closure of the additional location at 261 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT 05446. The institution will conduct and complete its own teach-out by May 2023 at the main campus at 106 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, and teach-out agreements are not required. The additional location was slated to close by June 30, 2021.
March 4, 2021: Acknowledgment of receipt of the self-study report. The institution hosted a virtual site visit in lieu of an on-site visit in accordance with the United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 17, 2020. Accreditation was reaffirmed. The institution was requested to provide further evidence of (1) financial planning and budget processes that are aligned with mission, goals and objectives and are evidence-based (Standard VI) and (2) strategies to address enrollment decline (Standard VI), beginning in 2021 and in conjunction with each Annual Institutional Update prior to the Mid-Point Peer Review in 2024. A verification visit is required by USDE guidelines and will be conducted within a reasonable period of time following the virtual site visit. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2027-2028.
January 4, 2021: Acknowledgment of receipt of the substantive change and request for expedited review of distance education as a temporary alternative delivery method. The use of distance education was allowed through May 30, 2021 to accommodate students impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions, in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published August 21, 2020. Continued use of distance education beyond May 30, 2021 required substantive change approval in accordance with Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. This flexibility was not available for clock-hour courses that lead to licensure if the licensing body would not accept distance learning courses or hours or give credit for them toward the number of hours a student must complete. The evaluation visit has occurred and will be acted upon by the Commission at the March meeting.
April 30, 2020: Acknowledgment of receipt of the self-study report. The On-Site Evaluation visit scheduled for Spring 2020 was delayed due to extraordinary circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions, and accreditation was continued. The institution remained accredited during a delay granted by the Commission. The Evaluation visit was scheduled in accordance with Commission policy and procedures.
April 16, 2020: Acknowledgment of receipt of formal written notice from the institution in response to the Commission's request of March 9, 2020. Substantive Change Policy and Procedures were temporarily waived to allow the use of distance education to accommodate students impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions, in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 5, 2020. Continued use of distance education beyond the limitations of USDE guidelines required substantive change approval in accordance with Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. This flexibility was not available for clock-hour courses that lead to licensure if the licensing body would not accept distance learning courses or hours or give credit for them toward the number of hours a student must complete. The next evaluation visit was scheduled for 2019-2020.
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November 17, 2016: Acceptance of the monitoring report. The next evaluation visit was scheduled for 2019-2020.
November 19, 2015: Acceptance of the Periodic Review Report, reaffirmation of accreditation, and recognition of the institution for progress to date. A monitoring report was requested due October 1, 2016, documenting steps taken to clarify the promotion and tenure process and to update the faculty handbook (Standard 10).
Focus on Distance Education
The college has adapted to changing educational needs by incorporating distance education methods. This was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when temporary waivers were granted to allow distance education to accommodate students impacted by interruptions. The college had to ensure that any continued use of distance education beyond the limitations of USDE guidelines required substantive change approval.
Closure of Additional Location
In 2021, ACPHS made the decision to close its additional location at 261 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT 05446. A teach-out plan was approved to ensure that students at the closing location could complete their programs. The institution conducted its own teach-out at the main campus in Albany, NY, and the additional location was closed by June 30, 2021.
Financial Planning and Enrollment Strategies
Accreditation bodies have requested that ACPHS provide evidence of financial planning and budget processes aligned with its mission, goals, and objectives. The college has also been asked to develop strategies to address enrollment decline. These requests highlight the importance of financial stability and strategic planning for the college's long-term success.
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