usgif accreditation guidelines 2013

7/27/2019 USGIF Accreditation Guidelines 2013

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COLLEGIATEGEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCECERTIFICATE

ACCREDITATIONGUIDELINES2013

UnitedStatesGeospatialIntelligenceFoundation

2325DullesCornerBoulevard,Suite450

HerndonVA20171

Office703-793-0109

Fax703-793-9069


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ii

STEPSINUSGIFACCREDITATIONPROCESS

SchoolengagesconversationwithUSGIFacademicdirectortoinitiateprogramreview

Dr.MaxBaber

[email protected]

703-793-0109x112

USGIFacademicdirectorvisitsschooltoobservelearningenvironment USGIFacademicdirectorprovidesguidancetowardscertificateprogramdevelopment Schoolprepares/submitsaSelf-StudyReportforevaluationbyUSGIFaccreditationpanel USGIFaccreditationpanelevaluates Self-StudyReportandprovidescriteria-specificreview USGIFacademicdirectormayrequestadditionalinformationfromschoolbasedonreview USGIFacademicdirectorpresentsreviewresultstoUSGIFexecutiveofficers USGIFacademicdirectorinformsschoolofaccreditationoutcome

ABOUTCOLLEGIATECERTIFICATEPROGRAMSINGEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCE

Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) isa rapidlyevolvingdiscipline. USGIFaccreditationprovides

assurancethatprogramsmeetorexceedestablisheddisciplinarystandardsandcompetencies,

toserveagrowingGEOINTcommunityofgovernmentandindustrypartners.Thesecertificate

programssharethefollowingcharacteristics.

Broadstrengthsingeospatialscienceandtechnology EnhancedfocusonGEOINTcontributionstodiscipline IntroductiontoconstituentelementsofGEOINTcommunity Integrationofmultidisciplinarylearningenvironment Distinctivefaculty/programstrengthsandresources TeamworkinGEOINTproblem-solvingactivities EmphasisoncriticalthinkingandspatialreasoningUSGIF awards a Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence to those students who complete

requirements inaccreditedprograms. Academicinstitutions documentthe achievementof a

Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence on student transcripts with other artifacts of academic

progress(degrees,honors,courses).


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DEFININGGEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCE

TITLE10UNITEDSTATESCODE467

Thetermgeospatialintelligencemeanstheexploitationandanalysisofimageryand

geospatialinformationtodescribe,assess,andvisuallydepictphysicalfeaturesandgeographicallyreferencedactivitiesontheEarth.GEOINTconsistsofimagery,imagery

intelligence,andgeospatialinformation.

JAMESRCLAPPERJRPATHFINDER(2004)

GEOINTisaboutmorethanpictures.GEOINTmakespossiblein-depthassessmentsand

judgmentsbasedontheinformationthatisgleanedfromvisualdepictions.Inshort,GEOINTis

morethanimagery,maps,chartsanddigitaldisplaysshowingwherethebadguysare.GEOINT

atitsbestistheanalysisthatresultsfromtheblendingofalloftheaboveintoadynamic,

compositeviewoffeaturesoractivitiesnaturalormanmadeonEarth.

KEITHMASBACKGEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCEFORUM(2010)

Ask10peopletodefinegeospatialintelligence,andyouarelikelytoget10differentanswers.

Wordsyoumighthearwouldincludeimagery,photogrammetry,geography,cartography,

geographicinformationsystems,analysisandremotesensingandthelistcouldgoonlonger.

[The]legaldefinitionpaintswithabroadbrushstrokeanideaofthewidthanddepthofGEOINT.

GeospatialIntelligencecantbedefinedbyaparticularprogramorproduct.

TODDBACASTOW&DENNISBELLAFIOREAMERICANINTELLIGENCEJOURNAL(2009)

Geospatialintelligenceisactionableknowledge,aprocess,andaprofession.Itistheabilityto

describe,understand,andinterpretsoastoanticipatethehumanimpactofaneventoraction

withinaspatiotemporalenvironment.Itisalsotheabilitytoidentify,collect,store,and

manipulatedatatocreategeospatialknowledgethroughcriticalthinking,geospatialreasoning,

andanalyticaltechniques.Finally,itistheabilitytopresentknowledgeinawaythatis

appropriatetothedecision-makingenvironment.


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iv

CONTENTS

StepsinUSGIFAccreditationProcess.......................................................................................................... ii

DefiningGeospatialIntelligence .................................................................................................................iii

Title10UnitedStatesCode467............................................................................................................iii

JamesRClapperJrPathfinder(2004)...................................................................................................iii

KeithMasbackGeospatialIntelligenceForum(2010)..........................................................................iii

ToddBacastow&DennisBellafioreAmericanIntelligenceJournal(2009)..........................................iii

Preamble.....................................................................................................................................................1

CurriculumFramework...............................................................................................................................2

DefiningUSGIFsGeospatialIntelligenceCompetencyModel................................................................2

MultidisciplinaryAcademicCompetencies(Tier2).................................................................................3

CoreGeospatialCompetencies(Tier4)...................................................................................................4

GeospatialIntelligenceCompetencies(Tier5)........................................................................................4

GEOINTWorkplaceCompetencies(Tier3)..............................................................................................5

References...............................................................................................................................................5

Accreditationcriteria..................................................................................................................................6

Criterion1Students..............................................................................................................................6

Criterion2ProgramEducationalObjectives.........................................................................................6

Criterion3StudentCompetenciesandAssessment.............................................................................6

Criterion4Curriculum..........................................................................................................................6

Criterion5Faculty................................................................................................................................7

Criterion6Facilities..............................................................................................................................7

Criterion7InstitutionalSupportandMonetaryResources..................................................................7

Self-StudyApplication .................................................................................................................................8

Self-StudyReportFramework.................................................................................................................8

TitlePage.............................................................................................................................................8

TableofContents................................................................................................................................8

Background.........................................................................................................................................8

Students..............................................................................................................................................8

ProgramEducationObjectives............................................................................................................9

StudentCompetenciesandAssessment.............................................................................................9


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Curriculum...........................................................................................................................................9

Faculty.................................................................................................................................................9

Facilities..............................................................................................................................................9

InstitutionalCommitment.................................................................................................................10

Appendices........................................................................................................................................10

SiteVisit.................................................................................................................................................10

AccreditationPanelReview...................................................................................................................10

PoliciesandProcedures............................................................................................................................11

Introduction...........................................................................................................................................11

Purposes............................................................................................................................................11

Responsibilities.................................................................................................................................11

ObjectivesofAccreditation...............................................................................................................12

AccreditationPolicies............................................................................................................................12

Institutions........................................................................................................................................12

Programs...........................................................................................................................................12

InterpretationofCriteria...................................................................................................................13

Evaluation.........................................................................................................................................14

AccreditationActions........................................................................................................................15

Appeals..............................................................................................................................................17

Complaints........................................................................................................................................19

ConfidentialityofInformation..........................................................................................................20

ConflictofInterest............................................................................................................................21

PublicReleaseofAccreditationInformation.....................................................................................22

AppendixA.GeospatialIntelligenceProgramCapstone........................................................................A-1

GeneralObjectives...............................................................................................................................A-1

AnalyticThinking..................................................................................................................................A-1

RealWorldProblemSolving.................................................................................................................A-1

ResearchSkillsandMethods................................................................................................................A-2

InterpersonalSkills/Participation.........................................................................................................A-2

Communications...................................................................................................................................A-2

AppendixB.ExampleTableforCurriculumMatrix.................................................................................B-1


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Preamble 1

PREAMBLE

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) is a specialized field of practice within the broader Intelligence

profession. The GEOINT discipline encompasses all activities involved in the planning, collection,

processing,analysis,exploitation,anddisseminationofspatialinformationinordertogainintelligence

about thenationalsecurity oroperationalenvironment, visuallydepict this knowledge, andfusethe

acquiredknowledgewithotherinformationthroughanalysesandvisualizationprocesses.

GEOINTencompassesmorethansystems,technology,andprocesses.Highlyskilledprofessionalswitha

broad range of educational backgrounds and domain expertise advance the discipline, collectively

possessingadynamicandrapidlyexpandingbodyofknowledgeandoperatingprinciplesdevelopedover

manyyearsofexperience.TheseGEOINTprofessionalsrepresentandaredrawnfromawiderangeof

occupationscomprisingtheGEOINTtradecraft.GEOINTtradecraftistheapplicationofskills,leadership,

continuing education, mentoring, special experiences, and knowledge of GEOINT in one or more

occupationalspecialties.

GeospatialIntelligenceintegratesanarrayofscience,technology,engineering,andmathematics(STEM)

disciplines in support of national security interests. The academic foundations of GEOINT include

Geography, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, Engineering, Cartography, Geographic Information

Science, and Statistics. Location is a fundamental characteristic of human activity, and GEOINT

articulates the spatial context associated with a wide range of data gathered by the intelligence

community,dataderivedintovaluableinformationbyprofessionalanalystsusingthetoolsandmethods

ofGeospatialTechnology.

TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor(DoL)ranksGeospatialTechnologyamongashortlistoftargeted

industriesinitsHighGrowthJobTrainingInitiative.Acknowledginganeedforprofessionalstandardsin

this industry, the DoL Employment and Training Administration promoted development of the

Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM), a multi-tiered approach that places industry

competencies atop a professional development pyramid built on personal effectiveness, academic

fundamentals,andcommonworkplaceskills.Followingadecadeofdevelopment,theGTCMispublicly

available via the DoL Competency Model Clearinghouse website. The United States Geospatial

IntelligenceFoundation (USGIF)references thismodelwithin itsaccreditationprocess,acknowledging

comprehensive input from numerous geospatial organizations spanning government, industry, and

academia.

SurveysofGEOINTindustrypartnersconductedbyUSGIFin recentyearsconfirmthatdemandof the

rapidly growing geospatial enterprise is outpacing the supply of suitably educated personnel. ToaddressthisgrowingdemandUSGIFisaccreditingcollegiateGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprograms,

assuring the geospatial capabilities of students entering the field and providing valuable continuing

education opportunities for professional development. USGIF curriculum guidelines ensure that

learningobjectivesrequisiteto theGEOINT tradecraftare taughtin accreditedGeospatialIntelligence

certificateprograms.USGIFaccreditationprovidesexternalreviewandqualityassuranceforacademic

programspreparingstudentsfor GeospatialIntelligencecareers.


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CurriculumFramework 2

CURRICULUMFRAMEWORK

Whiletherearemanycomponentsinadditiontothecurriculumthatareessentialinqualitycertificate

programs, thecontentof thecurriculumdistinguishesthoseprogramsthatarespecificallyfocusedon

Geospatial Intelligence. This section outlines the curriculum framework that must be fulfilled by

Geospatial Intelligence certificate programs accredited by USGIF. The framework builds upon the

competency model concept used by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training

Administration,aswellasmanyotherhumanresourceorganizations.

DEFININGUSGIFSGEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCECOMPETENCYMODEL

Acompetencymodelisacollectionofcompetenciesthattogetherdefinesuccessfulperformanceina

particular work setting (DOLETA, 2010). The Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM)

outlines a set of knowledge, skills and abilities thatprovides a foundation fromwhicha Geospatial

Intelligencecurriculumcanbearticulated.Thecompetencymodelisdefinedasasetoftiers.

Thelowestthreetiersdescribe FoundationCompetencies.Thefirsttiercontains PersonalEffectiveness

Competenciesthatareessentiallifeskillsnormallylearnedathomeorinthecommunity.Includedhere

aresuchcompetenciesasinterpersonalskills,integrityandinitiative.Thesecondtieridentifiesgeneral

Academic Competencies that should be acquired through general education foundations within

collegiateprograms.IntheGTCM,theseincludereading,writing,mathematics,geography,scienceand

engineering, communication, critical and analytical training, and basic computer skills. The third

foundation tier isWorkplace Competencies that address skills and abilities that allow individuals to

function in an organizational setting. These include teamwork, creative thinking, planning and

organizing,andproblemsolvinganddecisionmaking.

WithintheCurriculumFrameworkfortheUSGIFAccreditationprogram,itisexpectedthatthenecessary

knowledge,skillsandabilitiesinthefirstthreetiershavealreadybeenacquiredbystudentsbeforethey

enter the program, or that they will have successfully acquired them through participation in the


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program.WhileitisrecognizedthatthesecompetenciesareessentialforallworkersintheGeospatial

Intelligencedomain,sincetheyarefoundational,theSelf-StudyQuestionnaireasksapplicantstoexplain

howtheprogramwill establish that students graduating from theprogramwill haveachieved these

competencies.

The next two tiers describe Industry-Related Competencies.These are the tiers atwhich the USGIFCurriculumFrameworkisfocused.Tier4describesdesiredIndustry-wideTechnicalCompetencies.These

aregeneralcompetenciesthatallworkerswithintheGeospatialindustryshouldhave,nomattertheir

specific focus orapplicationdomain.Thus they definecore geospatial competencies.The Curriculum

Frameworkoutlines thesecorecompetenciesin generaltermssincetheyshouldformthebulkof the

contentof allGeospatial Technology-related programs. All certificateprogramsaccreditedunder the

USGIFmustoffercoursesthatcollectivelyaddressallofthesegeneraltopics.

In thegeneral competencymodel, Tier 5 focuses on Industry-Sector Technical Competencies. In the

USGIF Curriculum Framework this is the tier that articulates Geospatial Intelligence-specific

competencies.Thus,USGIFaccreditationfocusespredominantlyoncompetenciesdefinedatTiers4and

5.ThenextsectionsprovidemoredetailontheseUSGIFrequiredcompetencies.

Tiers6through9areOccupation-RelatedCompetencies.Sincethesearefocusedonindividualworkplace

functions,theyrepresentpreciselydefinedcompetenciesthatcanbeusedtomeasureperformancein

theworkplace, to design competency-based curricula and to articulate the criteria for occupational

credentials. Due to their occupation specificity, these are not addressed in the USGIF Curriculum

Framework.

Tiers 2-5 of the GTCM define the bounds of the USGIFGeospatial Intelligence certificate curricular

framework.Whilethecourseworkrequirementsofthecertificateprogramfocusprincipallyonindustry-

wide (Tier 4 core geospatial science and technology) and industry-sector (Tier 5 GeospatialIntelligence)competencies,thesetiersarebuiltuponabroadmultidisciplinaryacademicfoundationlike

GTCM Tier 2, and culminate in a capstone experience that synthesizes and applies newly acquired

knowledgeandskillsinaworkplaceapproach(GTCMTier3)torealisticGEOINTproblemsolving.

MULTIDISCIPLINARYACADEMICCOMPETENCIES(TIER2)

GeospatialIntelligenceintegrateslargevolumesofdatafromavarietyofsources,alistthatincludesbut

isnotlimitedtotopography,hydrography,landuse/cover,andpopulation(numerousartifactsofhuman

activity),andgeospatialanalystsderivemeaningfulinformationfromthisdata.GEOINTisinherently

multidisciplinary,anditsimportantforstudentstodevelopabroadacademicfoundationinpreparation

forGEOINTcareers. Competencies in reading,writing,mathematics, geography,science/engineering,

communication, criticalandanalytical thinking, andbasiccomputingarefundamentally important for

successful completion of program requirements. Requirements for integrating these competencies

within a given programaremanaged as prerequisites, conserving course credit hours for geospatial

requirements. Universities are further encouraged to design Geospatial Intelligence certificate

programs that provide opportunities for multidisciplinary engagement, integrating courses from an

arrayofdisciplinesconnectedviacommonapplicationofgeospatialscienceandtechnology.


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COREGEOSPATIALCOMPETENCIES(TIER4)

In2006,theUniversityConsortiumforGeographicInformationSciencepublishedthefirsteditionofthe

Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T) Body of Knowledge (BoK) (UCGIS, 2006).

IntendedtocomprehensivelyoutlineallknowledgethatmightbeconsideredwithintheGIS&Tdomain,

it provides a source fromwhich collections of competencies can beorganized to articulate what isneededbyworkersinspecificfieldsandapplicationareas.Assuchitprovidesanexcellentfoundation

fortheidentificationofthenecessaryCoreGeospatialCompetenciesneededbyGeospatialIntelligence

workers.ThefollowingtablesummarizestherequiredCoreCompetenciesandrelatesthemtounitsin

theBodyofKnowledgewheremoreinformationanddetailedobjectivescanbefound.

# Name Description BoKref

CORE1 Spatialthinking Conceptsofspace,representation,spatial

reasoning,mapuse

CF3,CF4

CORE2 Fundamentalsof

geographicinformation

Geodesy,mapprojections,locationand

coordinatesystems,direction,scale,

generalization,dataquality

GD1,GD3,

GD4,GD5,

GD6,CORE3 Remotelysensed

imagery

Electromagneticradiation,passiveandactive

sensorsystems,visualinterpretation,

photogrammetry,digitalimageanalysis

GD10,GD11

CORE4 Geospatialinformation

systems

Spatialdatamodels,spatialdataquality,data

capture,surfacemodels,databasedesignand

management

DA4,DM2,

DM3,DM4

CORE5 Spatialanalysis Geometricmeasures,Basicanalyticaloperations,

basicanalyticalmethods

AM3,AM4,

AM5,DN1

CORE6 Quantitative

information

communication

Cartographicsymbolization,maplayoutand

design,referenceandthematicmapping,dynamic

andinteractivevisualization

CV3,CV4

CORE7 Legalandethicalissues GS1,GS6,

OI5,OI6

GEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCECOMPETENCIES(TIER5)

InadditiontotheTier4competencies,therearea numberof competenciesthatmustbe specifically

addressedwithintheGeospatialIntelligencedomain.Whilethisisaconstantlyevolvingcollection,the

followingarespecifictopicsthatmustbetreatedinsomedepthinallUSGIFaccreditedprograms.

# Name Description

GEOINT1 GEOINTHistory Pre-computerGEOINTtechnologiesforsurveillance,

targeting,andnavigation,aerialphotos,earlycomputer

GEOINTtechnologies

GEOINT2 RemoteSensingfor

GEOINT

GEOINT-relevantsensorsandsatellites,fullmotionvideo,

UAVs,sensornetworks,tasking,linksensorcharacteristicsto

appropriateINTproblemsolving

GEOINT3 Photogrammetryfor

GEOINT

GEOINTapplicationsinphotogrammetry


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# Name Description

GEOINT4 GEOINTdata Interoperabilityandstandards,dataintegration,datafrom

otherINTs,INTdataandimageryportals,INTdataquality

assurance

GEOINT5 Geodesy EstablishmentandmaintenanceofWGS084

GEOINT6 GPS Developmentandmaintenanceofthegeodeticpositioningsystem

GEOINT7 TheIntelligence

process

Informationexploitation,standardintelligence

methodologies(e.g.GeospatialIntelligencePreparationof

theEnvironment(GPE)),threatandhazardevaluation,

makingandpresentingpredictiveanalyticconclusions,

situationalawarenessandcommonoperationalpicture,the

IntelligenceCommunity/whoaretheplayers?

GEOINT8 GEOINTanalysis Datamining,datafusion,geovisualization,featureextraction

GEOINT9 GEOINTproductsand

communication

Standardizedcartographicproducts,interactiveanddynamic

products,intelligencebriefs,imageryreports,areareports

GEOINT10 GEOINTapplications Militaryapplications,nationalsecurityspecialevents,

disasterrelief,evacuations,nationalsecurityrequirements

GEOINT11 EmergingGEOINT

technologiesand

techniques

Newcartographicrepresentations,newvisualization

techniques,mobiledevices,Virtualandaugmentedreality

GEOINTWORKPLACECOMPETENCIES(TIER3)

ThisCurriculumFramework identifies thoseessential componentswithin thegeospatialsciences that

willprovidestudentswith knowledgeandskillsrequisiteforeffectiveGeospatialIntelligenceproblem

solving. USGIF accreditation furtherrequires a capstoneexperience to give students opportunity to

engagea real-worldnationalsecurityproblemor scenario (seeAppendixAfordetails). Thiscapstone

experiencewillchallengestudentabilitiestoengageteamwork,creativethinking,planning&organizing,

problemsolving&decisionmaking,workingwithtools&technology,andqualitycontrol&assurance.

REFERENCES

DOLETA, 2010. Geospatial Technology Competency Model. Education and Training Administration,

UnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor,WashingtonDC. www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/.

UCGIS,2006.GeographicInformationScience&TechnologyBodyofKnowledge.UniversityConsortium

forGeographicInformationScienceandAssociationofAmericanGeographers,Washington,DC.


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AccreditationCriteria 6

ACCREDITATIONCRITERIA

Allapplicantsforaccreditationwillbeevaluatedinaccordancewiththefollowingcriteria.

CRITERION1STUDENTS

The quality and performance of the students are important considerations in the evaluation of

GeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogram.Theinstitutionmustarticulatetheirproceduresandmetrics

for evaluation, advising, and monitoring student progress towards completion of the Certificate

Program.

CRITERION2PROGRAMEDUCATIONALOBJECTIVES

The Geospatial Intelligence Certificate program for which an institution seeks accreditation or

reaccreditationmust:

Havein placedetailed published Programeducationalobjectivesthat areconsistentwith themissionoftheinstitutionandthatalignwiththeUSGIFCurriculumFramework.

Haveinplaceacurriculumandprocessesthatensuretheachievementoftheseobjectives Haveinplaceasystemofongoingprogramevaluationthatdemonstratesachievementofthese

objectivesandusestheresultstoimprovetheeffectivenessoftheprogram

CRITERION3STUDENTCOMPETENCIESANDASSESSMENT

GeospatialIntelligenceprogramsmustdemonstratethatgraduateshave:

Anabilitytoapplyknowledgeofremotesensing,geographicinformationscience&technology,computerscience,andanalyticprocesses

Anabilitytofindandinterpretdata Anabilitytofunctioninacollaborativeenvironment Anawarenessofprofessionalandethicalresponsibility Anabilitytocommunicateeffectively An ability to use the techniques, skills, and tools necessary to solve geospatial intelligence

problems

TheinstitutionseekingaccreditationforaGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogrammustshowthata

processformeasuringstudentachievementofProgramoutcomeobjectivesexists.

CRITERION4CURRICULUM

ThecurriculumframeworkspecifiestopicsofparticularrelevancetoGeospatialIntelligencebut,other

than the capstone experience, does not prescribe specific courses. The program must include a

combinationofcollegelevelcoursesthatcollectivelycoverallthetopicsinTiers4and5of theUCGIS

CurriculumFramework.Thisincludes:

A combination of college level remote sensing, geospatial information technology, andcomputersciencefundamentalsappropriatetothediscipline


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AccreditationCriteria 7

Geospatialintelligence-relatedtopics(canbecasestudies) Asuitablearrayofprerequisitestoestablishabroadmultidisciplinaryfoundation Analytic and communications components that complements the technical content of the

curriculumandisconsistentwiththeprogramandinstitutionobjectives

A capstoneexperience that brings thetechnical, geospatial intelligence domain, andanalyticandcommunicationscomponentstogetherinanappliedexercise

Therangeofsemestercredithoursrequiredforthecertificatemustbebetween16and21(3credit

hoursroughlyequatesto40hoursofclassroominstruction),withacumulativeBaverageinallcoreand

electiveProgramcourses,andnogradelowerthanaConanysingleprogramcourse.

CRITERION5FACULTY

The faculty is the heart of any educational program. The faculty must be of sufficient number as

determined by studentenrollment and the expected outcome competencies of the program. There

must be sufficient faculty to accommodate adequate levels of student-faculty interaction, including

classroom(physicalorvirtual)teaching,capstoneprojectsupervision,studentadvisingandcounseling,and research, as well as non-student interactions in collegiate service activities, professional

development,and interactionswith industrialandprofessionalpractitioners,as wellas employers of

students.Thefacultymusthavesufficientqualificationsandmustensuretheproperguidanceoftheprogramand

itsevaluationanddevelopment.Theoverallcompetenceofthefacultymaybejudgedbysuchfactorsas

education, diversity of backgrounds, applicable experience, teaching performance, ability to

communicate,enthusiasmfordevelopingmoreeffectiveprograms,levelofscholarship,participationin

professionalsocieties,andapplicablecertifications,registrations,orlicensures.

CRITERION6FACILITIES

Classrooms, technologies, and associated equipment must be adequate to accomplish the program

objectivesandprovideanatmosphereconducivetolearning.Appropriatefacilitiesmustbeavailableto

fosterfaculty-studentinteractionandtocreateaclimatethatencouragesprofessionaldevelopmentand

professionalactivities.Programsmustprovide opportunities forstudents to learn theuse ofmodern

geospatialinstrumentsandequipment.Computingandinformationinfrastructuresmustbeinplaceto

supportthescholarlyactivitiesofstudentsandfacultyandtheeducationalobjectivesoftheinstitution.

CRITERION7INSTITUTIONALSUPPORTANDMONETARYRESOURCES

Institutionalsupport,monetaryresources,andconstructiveleadershipmustbeadequatetoassurethe

qualityandcontinuityoftheGeospatialIntelligenceCertificateprogram.Resourcesmustbesufficientto

attract, retain, and provide for continued professional development of a well-qualified faculty.

Resourcesalsomustbesufficienttoacquire,maintain,andoperatefacilitiesandequipmentappropriate

forthe program. Inaddition, supportpersonnel andinstitutional servicesmust beadequate tomeet

programneeds.Planningdemonstratessustainabilityovertime.


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Self-StudyReport 8

SELF-STUDYAPPLICATION

TheUSGIFaccreditationprocessisdesignedtosupportandfacilitate GeospatialIntelligencecertificate

program development.You areencouraged tocontacttheUSGIFDirector ofAcademic Programsfor

questionsyoumighthaveregardingapplicationpriortosubmission.

SELF-STUDYREPORTFRAMEWORK

Toapply,eachinstitutionseekingaccreditationfromUSGIFmustcompleteaself-studyreport.

TheSelf-StudyReportisaqualitativeandquantitativeassessmentofthestrengthsandlimitations

of theinstitution andprogram. Institutions determinehowtheywillconduct theirSelf-Studies,

but they must follow the specific outline given here. Subdivisions of this Self-Study Report

articulatetheAccreditationCriteriaoutlinedinSection3ofthisdocument.

TITLEPAGE

NameofInstitution NameofProgram PrimaryContact:

o Nameo Positiono MailingAddresso TelephoneNumbero E-MailAddress

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Pagereferencesfordocumentsections Includeheadingsandsub-headingsBACKGROUND

SummaryofOrganizationalStructure(usetextand/orshowindividuallyorcollectivelyusingorganizationalcharts)

o Programstructureo Administrativeunitstructureo AdministrativeunitwithintheInstitutionalstructure

SummaryofProgramDeliveryModes(e.g.,days,evenings,weekends,co-op,off-campus,distance/on-line)

STUDENTS

Summary of admission requirements and selection process for students entering theGeospatialIntelligenceCertificateProgram

SummaryofadministrativeandfacultyadvisementandguidanceofstudentsinthisProgram


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Self-StudyReport 9

PROGRAMEDUCATIONOBJECTIVES

Listthepublishedprogramoutcomes. DescribehowyourprogramsobjectivescomplementtheeducationobjectivesoftheUSGIF

asreflectedinthegoalstatementandcurriculumframework.

Describeyourprocessforongoingprogramevaluationthatensuresachievementoftheseobjectives and explain how the results are used to improve the effectiveness of the

program

ExplainhowtheinstitutionstaysorplanstostaycurrentwithgeospatialintelligencetrendsSTUDENTCOMPETENCIESANDASSESSMENT

Summary and description of process to assure student outcomes and successfulcompletionoftheCapstoneCourse

CURRICULUM

Narrative that explainshow thecourses collectively fulfillthe requiredUSGIFCurriculumFramework.IncludeinformationexplaininghowTiers1-3areaddressed.

ArticulationofaCapstonecourse(seeAppendixA). Matrix of courses against USGIF Curriculum Framework to demonstrate coverage of all

requiredcompetencies(seeAppendixB).

CoursesyllabiforallcoursesformingtheCertificateprogram,includingcoursedescription,detailedlistoftopicscovered,requiredtextsorreadings,listofassignments,overviewof

lab exercises assigned, course assessment. Indicate whether each course is current or

proposed.

FACULTY

Summary and description of the size and composition, credentials, experience, andworkloadoffacultythatsupporttheGeospatialIntelligenceCertificateProgram

Facultycurriculumvitae(fulltimeandadjunct)areincludedwithinself-studyappendixFACILITIES

Summaryanddescriptionof(includingavailabilityandadequacyfortheProgram)o Classroom(physicaloronline)spaceo Laboratoryspaceo Computer(hardware,software)resourceso LearningandContentManagementSystem(ifavailable)o Otherrelevantequipment(E.g.spectrometer,networkanalyzer,etc.)

Ifdistancelearningprogram,alsoincludesummaryanddescriptionof,whereapplicable:o Coursemanagementsystemo Videoconferencingo Studentaccesstoe-mailo Otherrelevanttechnologies


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Self-StudyReport 10

INSTITUTIONALCOMMITMENT

Statement of commitment by Administration (e.g. letter(s) of support signed by Dean,President,Provost,etc.)

APPENDICES

Supportingdocuments,includingbutnotlimitedto:o Coursesyllabio Facultycurriculumvitae

SITEVISIT

After the Self-Study Report has been received, the USGIF DirectorofAcademicPrograms will

schedule a campus visit to tour facilities and meet with program faculty and collegiate

administrators. This site visit serves toconfirmandvalidate informationprovided in theSelf-

StudyReport,andsitevisitobservationswillbeincludedwithinthefinalreviewprocess.

ACCREDITATIONPANELREVIEW

Programevaluationisperformedby athreepersonpanelselectedfrommembersoftheUSGIF

AcademicAdvisoryBoard. Panelistswillreviewmaterials provided in theSelf-StudyReportas

wellasnotesandobservationscollectedduringthesitevisit.Theaccreditationpanelwillsubmit

arecommendationtotheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicProgramsforadministrativeaction.


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PoliciesandProcedures 11

POLICIESANDPROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSESGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogramsaccreditedbytheUnitedStatesGeospatial

Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) introduce students to a broad set of technical

knowledgeandcriticalthinkingskillsrequisiteforestablishinganddevelopingcareersin

the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) profession. USGIF accredited Geospatial

Intelligencecertificateprogramsofferedbyinstitutionsofhigherlearningwill

Complementacollegedegree Supportcareerdevelopment ProvideprofessionalrecognitionUSGIFaccreditationofcollegiateGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogramsendeavors

tomeetthefollowingobjectives.

Identify GEOINT industry-specific standards and competencies and maintainguidelinesforcollegiateGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprograms.

Supportand facilitatedevelopmentofGeospatial Intelligencecertificateprogramsatinstitutionsofhigherlearning.

ProvideindependentexternalreviewofcollegiateGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogramsforqualityassurance.

SupportscholarlyexplorationandpromoteintellectualdevelopmentamongthoseinterestedintheGeospatialIntelligencetradecraft.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collegiate Geospatial Intelligence certificateprogram accreditation ismanagedby the

USGIFDirectorofAcademicPrograms,withcollegiateprogramevaluationsperformed

independently by accreditation review panels selected from members of the USGIF

Academic Advisory Board. The Director of Academic Programs is chargedwith the

followingresponsibilities:

TheDirectorofAcademicProgramsshallproposepolicies,procedures,andcriteriatotheUSGIFPresidentandVicePresidentofOperationsforapproval.TheseUSGIF

executive officers (referred hereafter as USGIF Executive) shall review policies,

procedures,andaccreditationcriteria,andmayspecifychangesasappropriate.

TheDirectorofAcademicProgramsshalladministertheaccreditationprocessbasedonpoliciesandproceduresapprovedbyUSGIFExecutive,andrenderaccreditation

resultsbasedonevaluationspresentedbyaccreditationreviewpanels.


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Procedures and decisions on all appeals to accreditation actions shall be the

responsibilityoftheUSGIFExecutiveandtheDirectorofAcademicPrograms.

Accreditationdecisionsarebasedsolelyonofficialcriteria,policies,andproceduresas

publishedbyUSGIF.OtherdocumentspublishedbyUSGIFormemberorganizationsare

advisoryinnature.

OBJECTIVESOFACCREDITATION

In keeping with the broad purposes of USGIF academic programs, accreditation is

intendedtoaccomplishthefollowingobjectives:

To identify to the public, prospective students, student counselors, parents,educational institutions, professional societies, potential employers, and

governmentalagenciesspecificprogramsthatmeetminimumaccreditationcriteria.

To provide guidance for development of educational programs in GeospatialIntelligence.

TostimulategrowthinGeospatialIntelligenceeducationintheUnitedStates.ACCREDITATIONPOLICIES

INSTITUTIONS

AccreditationofGeospatialIntelligenceCertificateprogramsisaccomplishedunderthe

followinggeneralpolicies.

Programswillbeconsideredforaccreditationiftheyareofferedbyaninstitutionofhigherlearningthatisamemberofanaccreditingbodyforregionalinstitutionsin

theUS,orsimilarlyrecognizedbodiesinothercountriesalsoareeligibletoapplyfor

accreditationfromtheUSGIF.

The educational institution must show they have a credible approach to theirGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogramcapstoneproject.

Aneducationalinstitutionmaypartnerwithotherinstitutionsinordertomeetalloftheaccreditationrequirements,butonlyoneprogramappliesforaccreditation.

PROGRAMS

GeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogramsratherthaninstitutionsordepartments

areaccredited.

ProgramTitle The titleofanaccreditedGeospatial Intelligence certificateprogrammaynotbeusedtoidentifybothanaccreditedprogramandanon-accreditedprogram.

GeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogramisanorganizededucationalexperiencethat

consistsofacohesivesetofcoursesorothereducationalmodulessequencedsothata

comprehensive demonstration of applied knowledge in the Geospatial Intelligence


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tradecraft as defined by the USGIF Geospatial Intelligence certificate program

curriculumguidelinesisclearlyevidentintheprogramscapstonecourse.

Programs tobe considered foraccreditation by theUSGIFAcademyarecollege level

programs that include an appropriate combination of learning objectives in the

fundamentalsofgeographicinformationscience,photogrammetryandremotesensing,cartography,spatialanalysisandstatistics,computerscience,criticalthinkingandspatial

reasoning,writtenandoralcommunications,andethics.

ProgramBreadthBroadprogramsthatwillprepareastudenttotakeadvantageofas

manydifferentcareeropportunitiesaspossiblein thegeospatial intelligence fieldare

encouraged. All core areas of the USGIF Geospatial Intelligence certificate program

curriculumguidelinesmustbeincludedforaccreditationconsideration,andwillprovide

theminimumbreadthconsideredimportant forsuccess intheGeospatial Intelligence

careerfield.Incorporationoftheelectiveareasoftheguidelinesisencouragedtocreate

apotentialdifferentiatoramongprogramsforsomestudents.

TheUSGIFaccreditationpanelispreparedtoexamine,forapproval,anyprogramsthat

appearlikelytosatisfytheUSGIFcriteria.

An institution that wishes to have its Geospatial Intelligence certificate program

considered for accreditationmay submit a request directly to the USGIF Directorof

Academic Programs.FollowingUSGIFacceptanceof therequest foraccreditation, the

institutionshouldbegincompletingtheSelf-StudyReportasdescribedintheSelf-Study

Applicationsectionofthisaccreditationguidelinesdocument.

Theaccreditationprocessisvoluntary.InstitutionsareinvitedtosubmittheirGeospatialIntelligence certificate programs without persuasion or pressure. Programs are

consideredforaccreditationactiononlyatthewrittenrequestoftheinstitution.

InitialEvaluation Anevaluation using theSelf-Study Reportwillbe carriedoutand

provisionalaccreditationwillbegrantedifitisdeterminedthattheprogrammeetsthe

criteriadefinedbytheUSGIFaccreditationguidelines.Provisionalaccreditationincludes

accrediting programs that have completely described their course offerings to the

satisfactionoftheUSGIFaccreditationpanelformeetingtheminimumcriteria,butmay

ormaynotyethavehadstudentstakeoneormoreofthecoursesthatareincludedin

the program. A program under provisional accreditation must resubmit for full

accreditationwithinthreeyearsafterreceivingtheirprovisionalaccreditationinorder

to continue offering a USGIF accredited Geospatial Intelligence certificate program.

Reaccreditationwillberequiredeveryfiveyearsoncefullaccreditationisreceived.

INTERPRETATIONOFCRITERIA

DefinitionsWhileUSGIFrecognizesandsupportstheprerogativeofinstitutionstouse

andadopttheterminologyoftheirchoice,itisnecessaryfortheUSGIFaccreditation


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paneltohaveaconsistentunderstandingofterminology.Withthatpurposeinmind,

theUSGIFAcademypanelwillusethefollowingbasicdefinitions:

Program Educational Objectives Program educational objectives are broadstatements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the

programispreparinggraduatestoachieve. Program Outcomes Program outcomes are narrower statements that describe

expectations regarding student learning and performance by time of graduation,

relatingtoskills,knowledge,andbehaviorsstudentsacquirethroughtheprogram.

Assessment Assessment is one or more processes that identify, collect, andprepare data to evaluate the achievement of program outcomes and program

educationalobjectives.

Considerablelatitudeinthechoiceandarrangementofsubjectmatterinthecurriculum

is allowed. The general principles outlined in the criteria will be checked closely by

analyzingeachparticularcurriculum.Thecoverageofbasicinformationratherthanthe

offeringofspecificcoursesistheimportantcriterion.

EVALUATION

Evaluationsareconductedtoverifythattheprogramunderreviewisincompliancewith

the appropriate accreditation criteria. The evaluation of a program will include

assessmentofbothqualitativeaswellasquantitativefactorsintheprocessleadingto

anaccreditationdecision.

Self-StudyReportAninstitutionseducationalprogramswillbeevaluatedonthebasis

ofdatasubmittedbytheinstitutiontotheUSGIFaccreditationpanelintheformofa

Self-StudyReport.

Areviewis required toestablishorcontinue theaccreditationofaprogram.Areview

addressesallapplicablecriteriaandconsistsof:

ReviewofaSelf-StudyReportpreparedbytheinstitution Preparationofareportbytheevaluationteam.Reviewsmustbeconductedforanaccreditedprogramat intervalsno longerthanfive

yearsforcontinuousaccreditation,andthreeyearsafteraninitialinterimaccreditation.

ADraftStatementtotheinstitutionwillbepreparedforeachevaluationconducted.Theinstitution will have an opportunity to submit a due process response to this draft

statement.Thedraftstatementwillbe revisedtocorrecterrorsin factorobservation

andanyotherinformationprovidedbytheinstitutionpriortotheaccreditationaction.

ThisrevisedstatementwillbetheFinalStatementtotheinstitution.

Thestatementtotheinstitutionwillgenerallyincludestatementsofthefollowingtypes:


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Statements of fact example: This program has five full-time faculty memberswhoseprimarycommitmentistotheprogram.

Statements of compliance example: The curriculum satisfies the applicablecriteria.

Statementsof concernA concern indicates that a programcurrently satisfies acriterion, policy, or procedure; however, the potential exists for the situation to

changesuchthatthecriterion,policy,orproceduremaynotbesatisfied.

StatementsofweaknessAweaknessindicatesthataprogramlacksthestrengthofcompliancewithacriterion,policy,orproceduretoensurethatthequalityofthe

program will not be compromised. Therefore, remedial action is required to

strengthen compliance with the criterion, policy, or procedure prior to the next

evaluation.

Statements of deficiency A deficiency indicates that a criterion, policy, orprocedure isnot satisfied. Therefore, the program isnot in compliancewith the

criterion,policy,orprocedure.

StatementsofobservationAnobservationisacommentorsuggestionwhichdoesnotrelatedirectlytotheaccreditationactionbutisofferedtoassisttheinstitution

initscontinuingeffortstoimproveitsprogram.

ACCREDITATIONACTIONS

ThefinaldecisiononaccreditationrestswiththeUSGIFDirectorofAcademicPrograms,

actingonrecommendationsmadebytheUSGIFaccreditationreviewpanel.

Accreditation of a programis grantedfor a specific period,typically fiveyears (three

yearsforinstanceswhereaninterimaccreditationisgranted).Thetermofaccreditation

is subject to review for cause at any time during the period of accreditation.Accreditationisgrantedifcurrentconditionsarejudgedtobemeetingorexceedingthe

minimumrequirements.Ifforanyreasonthefutureofaprogramappearsprecariousor

clearweaknessesexist,accreditationmaybegrantedforashorterterm.Factorswhich

might limit the period of accreditation include uncertainty as to financial status,

uncertaintyduetothenatureoftheadministrativeorganization,aneedforadditionsto

or improvements in staff or equipment, a new or changing curriculum, undue

dependenceuponasingleindividual,etc.

Accreditation for a full term of five years (three years for an interim accreditation)

indicatesthataprogramsatisfiesthepublishedcriteriaofUSGIF.

USGIFdoesnotrankprograms.Programsareeitheraccreditedornotaccredited.

If an evaluation indicates that the future of a program appears precarious or that

definite weaknesses ordeficienciesexist, accreditation maybe grantedfor a shorter

periodoftimefollowedbyaninterimreview.

ThefollowingactionsareavailabletotheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicPrograms.


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Next Review This action indicates that the program has no deficiencies orweaknesses.Thisactionhasdurationoffiveyears.

Interim Approval This action indicates that the program has no apparentdeficienciesorweakness, butno studenthasyetcompleted someor allcourses.

Thisactionhasdurationofthreeyears.

Interim Report This action indicates that the program has one or moreweaknesses.Areportfocusingontheremedialactionstakenbytheinstitutionwill

berequired.Thisactionhasatypicaldurationoftwoyears.

ReportExtendedThisactionindicatesthatsatisfactoryremedialactionhasbeentakenbytheinstitutionwithrespecttoweaknessesidentifiedinthepriorIRaction.

ThisactionistakenonlyafteranIRevaluation.Thisactionextendsaccreditationto

thenextgeneralreviewand,thus,hasatypicaldurationofthreeyears.

ShowCauseThisactionindicatesthattheprogramhasoneormoredeficiencies.An on-site visit will be required to evaluate the remedial actions taken by the

institution.Thisactionhasatypicaldurationoftwoyears.

ShowCauseExtendedThisactionindicatesthatsatisfactoryremedialactionhasbeen taken by the institution with respect to all deficiencies and weaknesses

identified in the prior SC action. This action is taken only after an interim SC

evaluation.Thisactiontypicallyextendsaccreditationtothenextreviewand,thus,

hasatypicaldurationofthreeyears.

NottoAccreditThisactionindicatesthattheprogramhasdeficienciessuchthattheprogramisincontinuednon-compliancewiththeapplicablecriteria.Thisaction

isusuallytakenonlyafteraSCevaluationortheevaluationofanew,unaccredited

program.Accreditationisgenerallynotextendedasaresultofthisaction.

A not toaccreditactionundershowcause iseffective asof thebeginningof the

academicyearclosesttoSeptember30ofthecalendaryearfollowingtheyearofthe

nottoaccreditdecisionbyUSGIFaccreditationreviewor appeal.Thenotificationto

theinstitutionshallindicate:(a)thattheterminationsupersedestheaccreditedstatus

listingoftheprogramintheUSGIFwebsiteand(b)thatUSGIFexpectstheinstitutionto

formally notify students and faculty affected by the termination of the programs

accredited status, not later than September 30 of the calendar year of the not to

accreditaction.

ReevaluationofaninstitutionsGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogram willbeheld

atintervalsnotexceedingfiveyears.

AlistofprogramswhichhavebeenaccreditedbytheUSGIFispreparedbi-annuallyand

published on theUSGIFwebsite. Theaccreditation statusof a program listedon the

USGIF website applies to all graduates who completed the program during the

precedingyear.


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The USGIF has no authority to impose any restriction or standardization upon

educationalprograms,nordoesitdesiretodo so.Onthecontrary,theUSGIFaimsto

preservetheindependenceofactionofindividualinstitutionsand,thereby,topromote

thegeneraladvancementofgeospatialintelligencetradecraftandeducation.

APPEALSAppeals and requests for reconsideration may bemade only in response to not-to-

accredit actions. Further, appealsor requests for reconsiderationmaybe based only

upongroundsthatthenot-to-accreditdecisionof theUSGIFwas inappropriatedueto

errorsoffactorfailuretoconformtoUSGIFspublishedcriteria,policies,orprocedures.

Inlieuofanimmediateappeal,aninstitutionmayfirstrequestreconsideration.Ifsucha

request is denied, the institution may appeal the original not-to-accredit action.

RequestsforreconsiderationmustbemadeinwritingtotheUSGIFDirectorofAcademic

Programswithin30daysofreceivingnotificationofthenot-to-accreditaction.

AppealsmustbemadeinwritingtotheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicProgramswithin30

daysofreceivingnotificationofthenot-to-accreditactionornotificationofthedenialof

arequestforreconsiderationoranimmediaterevisit.

TheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicProgramsisavailableforconsultationtodeterminethe

bestcourseofactionfortheinstitution.Suchconsultationisstronglyencouraged.

Reconsideration

A program that has received a not-to-accredit action may be a candidate forreconsiderationif itcandemonstratethatthereweremajor,documentederrors

offactintheinformationusedbytheUSGIFaccreditationpanelinarrivingatthe

not-to-accredit decision. In such cases, the institution must submit a written

requestforreconsiderationtotheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicProgramswithin30

daysof receivingnotificationof thenot-to-accreditaction. This requestmustbe

accompaniedby a report specifyingmajordocumented errors of fact and how

sucherrors contributed to thenot-to-accredit action, along with substantiating

documentation.

TheUSGIFDirector of Academic Programs shall acceptordeny the institutionsrequest for reconsideration of the not-to-accredit decision within 15 days of

USGIFsreceiptoftheinstitutionsrequestforreconsideration.Thisactionwillbe

based solely on the report and supporting documentation supplied by the

institutioninaccordancewiththenatureofthedeficiencieswhichledtothenot-

to-accreditaction.

If the USGIF Director of Academic Programs judges that reconsideration is notwarranted, the request for reconsideration will be denied with a statement of


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reasonsandareiterationoftheinstitutionsrighttopursueanappealofthenot-

to-accreditaction.

WhenreconsiderationisgrantedbytheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicPrograms,theinstitutionshallbedeemedtohavewaiveditsrighttoappealeithertheoriginal

not-to-accreditactionortheactionresultingfromthereconsideration.

If following reconsideration the USGIF Executive and Director of AcademicPrograms,uponunanimousvote,judgesthattheinstitutioniscorrectinitsclaim

ofsucherrorleadingtoanerroneousconclusionbytheUSGIFaccreditationpanel,

the aforementioned USGIF Executive may overturn the not-to-accredit decision

andgrantwhateveraccreditation action it deems appropriate, from among the

standardarrayofUSGIFaccreditationoptions.

Appeal

Only not-to-accredit actions may be appealed. A notice of appeal must besubmitted inwriting by the institutions director of the Geospatial IntelligencecertificateprogramtotheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicProgramswithin30daysof

receiving notification of a not-to-accredit action. This submission must include

reasonswhya not-to-accreditdecision of theresponsible accreditation panel is

inappropriatebecauseofeithererrorsoffactorfailureoftheaccreditationpanel

toconformtoUSGIFspublishedcriteria,policies,orprocedures.

Uponreceiptofanoticeofappeal,theUSGIFExecutivealongwiththeDirectorofAcademicProgramswillserveasanappealpanel.

Theappealpanelwillbeprovidedwithcopiesofalldocumentationthathasbeenmadeavailabletotheinstitutionduringthedifferentphasesoftheaccreditation

cycle, including the institutions due process response and other materialssubmittedbytheinstitutionortheUSGIFaccreditationpanel.

The institution is required to submit a response (normally one page) to theaccreditation panels executive summary previously sent to the institution. The

institution may also submit other material it deems necessary to support its

appeal.However,suchmaterialsmustbeconfinedtothestatusoftheprogramat

the time of the accreditation action of the USGIF accreditation panel and to

informationthatwasthenavailabletotheaccreditationpanel.

Itisemphasizedthatimprovementsmadetoaprogramsubsequenttothereviewbytheaccreditationpanelwillnotbeconsideredbytheappealcommittee.

Theaccreditation panelmaysubmitwrittenmaterials beyond thestatement tothe institutionandexecutive summary for clarification. Suchmaterialsmust be

providedtotheinstitutionandappealpanelatleast60dayspriortothedateof

the panelsmeeting. Any rebuttal by the institution must be submitted to the

committeeatleast30dayspriortotheappealpanelmeeting.

The appeal committee will meet and consider only the written materialssubmitted by the institution and the accreditation panel in determining its


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recommendation.Representativesfromtheinstitutionandtheaccreditationpanel

maynotattendthismeeting. Theappeal committeesdecision is limited to the

options available to the accreditation panel responsible for the not-to-accredit

determination. The decision rendered by the appeal committee is the final

decisionofUSGIF.

The institution and the accreditation panel will be notified in writing of thisdecision, and the basis for the decision, by the USGIF Director of Academic

Programswithin15daysofthefinaldecision.

COMPLAINTS

It is thepolicyofUSGIF to reviewallcomplaints received from anysource,including

students, against either an accredited program or USGIF itself that are related to

compliance with USGIFs standards, criteria, or procedures and to resolve any such

complaintsinatimely,fair,andequitablemanner.Furthermore,itisthepolicyofUSGIF

to retain all documentation associated with any such complaint received against an

accreditedprogramfor aperiodofnotlessthanoneaccreditationcycle(typicallyfive

years), and for a period of not less than five (5) years for any complaints received

againstUSGIFitself.

Accreditedprogramsmustmaintainarecordofstudentcomplaintsanduponwritten

requestmakethatrecordavailabletoUSGIF.

USGIFwillnotpursuecomplaintsthatarenotinwritingorthatareanonymous.Receipts

ofallcomplaintswillbeacknowledgedwithinfourteen(14)days.

USGIF cannot assume authority forenforcing thepoliciesof programs or institutions

regarding faculty, professional staff, or student rights. USGIF does not adjudicate,

arbitrate,ormediateindividualgrievancesagainstaprogramorinstitution.

ComplaintswillbereviewedinitiallybytheUSGIFDirectorofAcademicPrograms.Ifthe

complaint isnotwithinthepurviewofUSGIF, thecomplainantwillbenotifiedandno

furtheractionwillbetaken.Ifthecomplaintappearstowarrantfurtherinvestigation

theDirectorofAcademicProgramswillforwardacopyofthecomplainttotheUSGIF

Executivewithinfourteen(14)daysofreceiptofthecomplaint.Thecomplainantwillbe

notifiedwithinfourteen(14)daysofthereceiptwhetherthecomplaintfallswithinthe

purviewofUSGIFandthenextstepsintheinvestigativeprocess.

ComplaintsagainstanInstitutionoritsprograms

If thecomplaint appears towarrant furtherinvestigation, the USGIFDirector ofAcademicProgramswillforwardacopyofthecomplainttotheUSGIFExecutive

andtotheprincipaladministrativeofficersoftheinstitutionwitharequestforan

institutional responsewithin thirty (30) days. The institutional response will be


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reviewedbytheUSGIFexecutiveofficerswithinthirty(30)daysof receiptofthe

institutionalresponse.

If USGIF determines that the institutional response satisfactorily addresses theissue or issues raised in the complaint, the matter will be considered closed.

Withinfourteen(14)daysofthedetermination,thecomplainantwillbeinformed

inwritingoftheresultsofthedetermination.

Intheeventthataninstitutional response isnot receivedbyUSGIFwithin thirty(30)daysoftherequestfortheresponse,oriftheresponseisnotdeemedtohave

satisfactorily resolved the issue, USGIF may initiate further proceedings as

circumstanceswarrant,uptoandincludingrevocationofaccreditation.

If the institutionhasreleased incorrect ormisleading information regarding theaccreditationstatusoftheinstitutionorprogram,ortheaccreditationactiontaken

byUSGIF,theinstitutionwillberequiredtomakeapubliccorrection.

ComplaintsagainstUSGIF

IfthecomplaintisconcernedwithUSGIFscriteria,policies,orproceduresorwiththeimplementationof these, theDirectorofAcademicProgramswillforwarda

copyofthecomplainttotheUSGIFExecutivewithinfourteen(14)daysofreceipt.

If it appears that a USGIF representative or an individualworking onbehalf ofUSGIFmayhaveviolatedUSGIFscriteria,policies,or procedures,thatindividual

willbeaskedtorespondtotheissuesraisedinthecomplaintwithinthirty(30)

days. USGIF Executive will make its determination within thirty (30) days of

receiptoftheresponse.Thecomplainantwillbenotifiedofthefinalactionofthe

USGIFExecutiveinwritingwithinfourteen(14)daysofthedetermination.

If USGIF determines that a violation has occurred, USGIF will counsel theresponsiblepartyandmaytakefurtheractionascircumstanceswarrant,uptoand

includingterminationasanUSGIFrepresentative.IfUSGIFfindsthataviolationof

its policies or procedures has occurred which may have had an effect on the

accreditation action, USGIF may initiate further proceedings as circumstances

warrant,uptoandincludinganimmediaterevisittotheinstitution.

ComplaintsagainstUSGIFemployeeswillbehandledinaccordancewiththeUSGIFEmployeeManual andmay result inactions upto and including termination of

employment.

CONFIDENTIALITYOF

INFORMATION

Information supplied by the institution is for the confidential use of USGIF and its

agents, and will not be disclosed without the specific written authorization of the

institutionconcerned.

The contents of all materials furnished for review purposes and discussion during

accreditationpanelmeetingsareconsideredprivilegedinformation.


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Thecontentsofthosedocumentsandtheaccreditationactionstakenmaybedisclosed

only by USGIF staff and only under appropriate circumstances. All communications

between institutions and evaluators regarding final accreditation actions must be

referredtoUSGIFheadquarters.

CONFLICTOFINTERESTService as a USGIF accreditation panelmember creates situations that may result in

conflicts of interest or questions regarding the objectivity and credibility of the

accreditation process. The USGIF Executive expects these individuals to behave in a

professionalandethicalmanner,todiscloserealorperceivedconflictsofinterest,and

torecusethemselvesfromdiscussionsordecisionsrelatedtorealorperceivedconflicts

ofinterest.Theintentofthispolicyisto:

maintaincredibilityintheaccreditationprocessandconfidenceinthedecisionsoftheaccreditationpanel

assurefairnessandimpartialityindecision-making;

actimpartiallyandavoidtheappearanceofimpropriety.IndividualsrepresentingUSGIFmustnotparticipate inany decision-makingcapacity if

theyhaveorhavehadaclose,activeassociationwithaprogramorinstitutionthatis

beingconsideredforofficial actionby USGIF.Close, activeassociationincludes,but is

notlimitedto:

current or past employment as faculty, staff, or consultant by the institution orprogram;

current or past discussion or negotiation of employment with the institution orprogram;

attendanceasstudentattheinstitution; receiptofanhonorarydegreefromtheinstitution; aninstitutionorprogramwhereaclose,familyrelativeisastudentoremployee;or an unpaid official relationship with an institution, e.g., membership on the

institutionsboardoftrusteesorindustryadvisoryboard.

A record of real or perceived conflicts of interest will be maintained for all those

involvedintheaccreditationprocess.Eachindividualwillbeprovidedwithacopyofthis

recordannuallyforthepurposeofupdatingthisrecord.Copiesoftheconflictofinterest

recordswillbeprovidedtotheindividualsresponsibleforselectionofteamchairsandprogramevaluators.

All individuals representing USGIFmust sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality

statementindicatingthattheyhavereadandunderstandthesepolicies.Thepolicieson

conflictofinterestandconfidentialitywillbereviewedatthestartofeachcommission

andboardofdirectorsmeeting.


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Individuals must absent themselves from any portion of a USGIF meeting in which

discussions or decisions occur for which they have a real or perceived conflict of

interest.Realorperceivedconflictsmayoccurifthereis:

aclose,activeassociationwithaprogramorinstitution; afinancial,orpersonalinterest;or anyreasonthattheindividualcannotrenderanunbiaseddecision.Thenamesofindividualswhohaverecusedthemselvesduringameetingforconflictsof

interestwillberecorded.

PUBLICRELEASEOFACCREDITATIONINFORMATION

Institutionsare required to represent theaccreditationstatusofprogramsaccurately

andwithoutambiguity.

Accreditation is based on satisfying minimum educational criteria. As a measure of

quality,itassuresonlythatanaccreditedprogramsatisfiestheminimumstandards.Thevarious periods or terms of accreditation do not represent a relative ranking of

programsintermsofquality.Atnopointisaninstitutionallowedtopublishorimplythe

termorperiodofaccreditation.Publicannouncementoftheaccreditationactionshould

onlyrelatetotheattainmentofaccreditedstatus.Noimplicationshouldbemadebyan

announcementorreleasethataccreditationbytheUSGIFappliestoanyprogramsother

thantheGeospatialIntelligencecertificateprogram.

DirectquotationinwholeorinpartfromanystatementbyUSGIFtotheinstitutionis

unauthorized.Correspondenceand reportsbetweentheUSGIFand theinstitutionare

confidential documents and should only be released to authorized personnel at theinstitution.Anydocumentsoreleasedmustclearlystatethatitisconfidential.Wherever

institution policy or state or federal laws require the release of any confidential

documents,theentiredocumentmustbereleased.

Informationon theGeospatial Intelligencecertificate programpublishedforstudents,

prospectivestudents,andthegeneralpublicshouldprovidesufficientdefinitionofthe

programtoshowthatitmeetstheappropriateUSGIFaccreditationcriteria.

Ifaccreditationiswithdrawnordiscontinued,theinstitutionmaynolongerrefertothe

programasbeingaccredited.

USGIF will publish on its web site a list of accredited programs. Information as to

whetheraprogramor institutionnotlistedamongaccreditedprogramswasreviewed

forUSGIFaccreditationwillnotbemadepubliclyavailable.

Theinstitutionmustmakeapubliccorrection ifmisleadingor incorrect informationis

released regarding the items addressed in this Public Release of Accreditation

Informationsection.


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CapstoneExperience A-1

APPENDIXA.GEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCEPROGRAMCAPSTONE

The Geospatial Intelligence certificate program capstone experience should be created around a

nationalsecurityproblemorscenario.Ideally,thescenariounfoldsovertimethroughoutthecourse.As

itunfolds,thestudentsarerequiredtousetheknowledgeandskillslearnedfromtheirearliercourse

workandpersonalexperiencetoidentifynewsourcesofinformation,acquirethatnewinformation,and

applyittotheproblem(s)theyarefacedwithsolving.

GENERALOBJECTIVES

Demonstratetheabilitytoapplythetechnical,communicationsandanalyticprinciplesoutlinedinthe

curriculum guidelines.Collaborate throughpeer review to define, clarify, illustrate,and categorize a

problem statement and provide knowledge of the situational conditions and actionable

recommendations based on analysis for decision makers. Communicate findings in a professional

mannertoanappropriateaudience.

ANALYTICTHINKING

Demonstratetheability toidentifykeyintelligenceissuesandknowledgegapsandtheability todraw

logicalconclusionsusingreasoning,reportingandappropriateanalytictoolsandmethodologies.

Identifieskeyquestionsaddressingnationalsecuritythreats,anddevelopsimplicationsfortheUnitedStates.

Identifyassumptionsandgapsininformation,tools,andprocedures;identifysourcesthatholdorcancollectrelevantinformationtofillgaps.

Demonstratesanability toweigh all information for relevance andreliability,andaccuratelycharacterizes evidence and formulates persuasive, well-supported arguments from the

evidence.

Demonstratesanabilitytothinklogicallyandcreativelywithoutundueinfluencefrompersonalbiases and with the use of appropriate structured analytic techniques (brainstorming,

alternativehypotheses,devilsadvocacy,etc.)

Understandsocio-culturalfactorsofthoseareasoftheworldthattheanalystseesfromremotesensing sources and/or other geospatial information, and apply that knowledge to

understandingthemeaningoftheobservation.

REALWORLDPROBLEMSOLVING

Demonstratetheabilitytoaccuratelyidentifyaproblemandsolveitusingspatialthinkingconceptsand

methods

Definetheproblem,understandthefoundationissuesandinformationneeds Developaninformationcollection/acquisitionstrategythatleveragesadiversesetofresources

ingeospatialandremotesensingcapabilities


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CapstoneExperience A-2

DefineordescribehowtheprinciplesofGIS&TandRScanbeusedtoaddressissuesofconcernor interest (historical trends applied to current activities to predict future events) within a

specificdomain

CreateamethodologyorprocessflowdiagramthatincludesGIS&TandRStechniquestosolveproblemsinmultiplesituations

RESEARCHSKILLSANDMETHODS

Demonstrateabilitytoutilizegeospatial tools andmethodologiesforderivingmeaningful information

fromacquireddata.

Identifytools,techniquesandworkprocedures Applytools,techniquesandworkprocedures AnalyzeresultsoftheapplicationINTERPERSONALSKILLS/PARTICIPATION

Demonstratetheabilitytoworkwell inteams,to shareideas,usetechnologywhereappropriate,and

leveragedifferentperspectivesinordertosolveproblems.

COMMUNICATIONS

Beabletorestatepreviousfindings;placethemintocontext;translateuniquetechnicalterminologyfor

theuser,andverbally,writtenandvisuallysummarizefindingssuccinctlyinthecontextofthedomain

problem


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APPENDIXB.EXAMPLETABLEFORCURRICULUMMATRIX

Course1 Course2 Course3 Course4 Course5 etc

Core1

Core2

Core3

Core4

Core5

Core6

Core7

GEOINT1

GEOINT1

GEOINT3

GEOINT4

GEOINT5

GEOINT6

GEOINT7

GEOINT8

GEOINT9

GEOINT10

GEOINT11

usgif accreditation guidelines 2013

Documents