Interview with Accreditation Consultant Dr. Lee Bash

As the University proceeds down its path toward accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), an interview was conducted with the institution’s accreditation consultant, Dr. Lee Bash, for his insights on the process and his perceptions of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK). The text of the interview appears below.

Q: First thing’s first: “Lee Bash” is quite a name. Have you had that name since birth? It sounds like the perfect stage name for someone without a catchy real name! 

A: It’s always been my name. At birth, Lee was my middle name, but I’ve just used it like my first name for all my adult life. I was so pleased to learn that, as I understand it, “Bash” means “good” in Kurdish. I’ve encountered some people (especially children) who say my name like it is one word: “Doctor Lee Bash.” When I tell them they can call me Lee, they just keep calling me Doctor Lee Bash, so that’s who I am.

Q: The American University of Kurdistan is young, but not completely new. It was established in 2014 and has weathered the storm of ISIS and the COVID-19 pandemic. Why do you think now is the right time for AUK to apply for accreditation? 

A: It is part of an upward trajectory that contributes to an extremely promising and exciting future. From one day to the next, it may not be particularly noticeable, but when you look backward you can see some amazing progress in a short period of time. Then, when you begin to factor in some events and resources that have contributed to this growth, it just seems really impressive. I suppose it is more immediately apparent to me since I’m away for months at a time. And accreditation from an American regional accrediting body like the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is a confirmation of quality at the highest level.

Q: Excuse this layman’s question. Is it advisable or even possible for an institution to possess accreditation from multiple bodies at once? 

A: Not only is it possible, but AUK is pursuing regional accreditation from NECHE while, at the same time, working to achieve professional accreditation for at least the College of Engineering, College of Business, and College of Nursing from American professional accreditation organizations that specialize in very narrow fields when compared with the regional accreditors. A university is able to demonstrate a comprehensive mastery through regional accreditation while also confirming the depth and focused achievement of its programs.

Q: From your experience, what is the most difficult change institutions must make to qualify themselves for accreditation? 

A: One of the biggest challenges is for an institution to be able to meet all the standards while seeing to the everyday aspects of educational management. NECHE has nine standards, and each of these has a number of sub-standards that add up to over 150 expectations; all of these must be addressed and met in order to become accredited. Sometimes, it feels difficult to focus on your job while doing all the preparations for accreditation at the same time. But the standards are all about ensuring that the quality of learning and the institution will be at the highest level, so it’s a necessary struggle. Everyone at AUK wants to do their job well, and this accreditation work is an additional responsibility. One of the biggest payoffs is going to be when AUK graduates seek to study in graduate schools in the States and find their credentials will automatically be accepted, since they’ve graduated from an accredited institution.

Q: Accreditation should be beneficial for the University across the board, but what group of stakeholders within AUK do you think stands to benefit the most from accreditation? 

A: Well, as I mentioned before, the graduates are likely to be the main beneficiaries, but the entire region is going to benefit, too. I think of an old saying: “A rising tide lifts all ships.” An institution of proven quality should enhance the lifestyle, the economy, and the health of the entire population. Thomas Jefferson said, “Knowledge is power,” and I believe the Prime Minister of Kurdistan feels the same way. I know my answer goes beyond the internal stakeholders, but I’m always mindful of how much influence AUK can have beyond the campus.

Q: Experienced evaluators visiting a classroom for an observation claim to be able to tell in only about a minute if there is a positive classroom culture and learning has been going on there. What is one aspect of worthiness of accreditation visiting teams should be able to determine practically at a glance? 

A: Sometimes, it may take a bit more than one minute, but it quickly becomes apparent when an institution is committed to quality and quality improvement (It is even more obvious when it isn’t!). It is just so evident once you’ve observed institutions that are demonstrating best practices. When I’ve evaluated the best institutions (and I’ve chaired more than 50 such visits), I’ve been struck by how members of the community have done their due diligence and can speak to the standards in their own words. They cite their experiences, and the process never feels rehearsed or fake. It is authentic and typically enthusiastic. I get some of that each time I visit the AUK campus. Students and grads are great sources to articulate what makes AUK so special. They embody the collective product of quality learning experiences. As long as AUK continues to aspire to improve, things are going to work out well, I’m sure.

Q: Put on your coach’s cap, please. Could you give a brief motivational message to members of the AUK community as they make their push to formal applicant status for NECHE accreditation? 

A: The pursuit of accreditation is never a sprint — it’s a marathon that requires patience, perseverance, commitment, and endurance. I believe AUK has the resources needed to meet these requirements. AUK is a special place, but its stakeholders may need more of a frame of reference. I see LOTS of colleges and universities! AUK is not perfect, but it IS special, and I just see so much potential. I believe this place is going to make a difference in so many ways. If each person here keeps applying their skills and knowledge in the way so many here already do, AUK will be part of a special legacy, renewed with each graduating class! I hope everybody is as proud of the American University of Kurdistan as I am!