Content of the Optional Response
The Optional Response to the NASM Visitors’ Report may contain the following:
- Correction of errors of fact;
- Conclusions based on such errors;
- Documented changes made in the program since the on-site visit.
Institutions preparing an Optional Response are strongly encouraged to address any standards issues identified in the Visitors’ Report, item P. (Standards Summary) and in any other sections of the Visitors’ Report. Responses to points in item Q. (Overview, Summary Assessment, and Recommendations for the Program) are not a substitute for responses to standards issues. The current NASM Handbook contains all standards texts serving as reference points for Optional Responses and Commission review. If an issue is mentioned multiple times in the Visitors’ Report, it may be considered once in the Optional Response, and referenced subsequently.
Deadlines
May 1 for consideration at the June meeting of the Commission on Accreditation.
October 15 for consideration at the November meeting of the Commission on Accreditation or the Commission on Community College Accreditation.
Number and Disposition of Copies
Materials should be submitted in three (3) identical copies. Please mail to:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190-5248
Format
- Provide a cover sheet with the following information:
- Name and address of institution.
- President’s name.
- Music executive’s name and title.
- Date of visit.
- Use only standard 8½” x 11” letter-size paper, with all pages numbered.
- Materials should be punched to fit a standard three-ring notebook (i.e., centers of holes should measure 1¼”, 5½”, and 9¾” from the bottom of the page).
- Nonstandard-sized materials (transcripts, programs, etc.) should be enclosed in re-closeable, labeled manila envelopes.
- Bind each copy of the Optional Response by placing a paper clip or binder clip in the upper left hand corner.
Procedure for the Optional Response
The institution should divide the Optional Response according to the sections used in the Visitors’ Report and copy the statement that is in question citing the page and paragraph number. Directly below this, the word “Reply” should be written; and below that, the comment concerning the errors of fact, the conclusions based on such errors, and/or documented changes made in the program since the visitation along with the supportive material (see example below).
Example:
F. Facilities, Equipment, Technology, Health, and Safety
Page 15, paragraph 4 – “The institution has no recital hall seating for more than 100 persons.”
REPLY:
The institution has access to several additional spaces for recitals. These spaces are described below, including the equipment available in each as well as the number of recitals held there during the past academic year.
(1) Lewis Hall — a hall seating 450, contains a Steinway concert grand piano and provides excellent acoustics for piano recitals and chamber music. Forty-two recitals were held there during the past academic year.
(2) St. Luke’s Church — etc.
Please contact the National Office with any questions.