Request for Comment: Emerging Substantive Areas

The APA Committee on Accreditation (CoA) requests public comment on potential changes in the Guidelines and Principles (G&P) for Accreditation. The proposed change is designed to reduce confusion regarding the scope of accreditation as pertaining to "programs in emerging substantive areas of professional psychology..." (p. 2 of the G&P).

The CoA believes that the decisions made on this issue will have substantial impact on the field for years to come. As such, the CoA is especially interested in what commentators believe to be best for the long-range development of the field of psychology. You may provide comments by completing the form available at http://apaoutside.apa.org/accreditation/surveys/rfc/substantive/. In order for the CoA to consider feedback, your comments must be received by April 3, 2003.

In an effort to promote thoughtful discussion, the CoA is providing an electronic-based comment form. All comments and other information, including the users' identity, will be public. Additional background information and important logistics are discussed further at http://apaoutside.apa.org/accreditation/surveys/rfc/substantive/.

On behalf of the CoA, I thank you for your ongoing commitment to improving the quality of psychology education and training through accreditation. Please feel free to contact the office at (202) 336-5979 if you have any questions.