Department of Dance receives full NASD accreditation

The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the national accrediting agency for dance and dance-related activities, has granted full membership to UNC Charlotte, making the University one of its 79 accredited institutions. Gained through an intensive peer review process, membership is granted only to institutions that meet all of the standards of NASD.

Achieving full accreditation of all five units in the College of Arts + Architecture is a key goal in the college’s strategic plan. Accredited since 1979, the School of Architecture will undergo review for renewal of accreditation by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in 2016. In 2014, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) granted associate membership to UNC Charlotte’s Department of Music. The Department of Art + Art History is in the midst of its application and review process by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) this academic year, with the Department of Theatre slated to pursue accreditation in 2017-18.

“The Department of Dance has now completed another important step in fulfilling the peer accomplishment of national accreditation in all units,” said Ken Lambla, Dean of the College of Arts + Architecture. “The department has proven itself to be a national leader in dance education, dance research and performance studies and can boast broad educational achievements by students in writing and communication, health studies and cultural leadership. I congratulate Chair Ann Dils and her faculty and students for this accomplishment.”

As a new member, UNC Charlotte’s Department of Dance has been granted membership status for a five-year period. The department can apply for renewal of membership after this period. Institutions approved for renewal of membership are granted 10-year periods of accreditation.