The Site Visit Guidelines are intended to assist higher education institutions (HEIs) prepare for site visits linked to application for accreditation, re-accreditation, application for new sites of delivery, relocation of sites, extension of programmes to sites (new or existing sites), deferrals, representations and complaints.   The document serves merely as a preparation guide for institutions and it is important to note that the chairperson of the evaluation panel has the discretionary authority and ultimate responsibility to decide on the format and nature of the visit. The purpose and value of the site visit as well as the processing of the report are outlined in the Guidelines. The Guidelines includes only the key general aspects of the organization and administration of site visits to enable institutions to prepare for a site visit. Specific information relating to particular site visits may be clarified, where necessary, with the Programme Accreditation Directorate.

THE PURPOSE OF SITE VISITS

The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) is responsible for the accreditation of higher education learning programmes by virtue of provision of the Higher Education Act, 1997 and the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995. Linked to the accreditation function are applications for accreditation of new programmes and for re-accreditation of programmes by private providers for registration purposes. Site visits are also related to applications for approval of sites of delivery, the verification of an institution’s capacity to offer higher education programmes and the investigation of complaints. All or a selection of the relevant criteria for programme accreditation of the HEQC are applied in the evaluations conducted (Criteria for Programme Accreditation, November 2004).