[Federal Register: August 30, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 170)] [Notices] [Page 45946-45947] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Recognition of Accrediting Agencies AGENCY: Department of Education. ACTION: Request for comments on an accrediting agency's requested expansion of scope during the review of its application to the Secretary for renewal of recognition. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 45947]] DATES: Commentors should submit their written comments by September 13, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen W. Kershenstein, Director, Accreditation and State Liaison Division, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3915 ROB-3, Washington, DC 20202-5244, telephone: (202) 708-7417. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. SUBMISSION OF THIRD-PARTY COMMENTS: The Secretary of Education is required by law to publish a list of accrediting agencies that he determines to be reliable authorities regarding the quality of education or training offered by institutions or programs they accredit. The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (the ``Advisory Committee'') advises the Secretary on specific accrediting agencies that seek to be recognized by the Secretary or to be granted an expansion of scope. The agency listed in this notice is seeking renewal of recognition and an expansion of scope, which was inadvertently omitted from the Federal Reigster notice dated Tuesday, July 9, 1996. The Advisory Committee will consider this petition for renewal and expansion of scope, along with the petitions listed in the July Notice, at its November 18-20, 1996 meeting. The purpose of this notice is to invite interested third parties to present written comments on the agency that will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee. In order for Department staff to give full consideration to the comments received, the comments must arrive at the address listed above not later than September 13, 1996. All written comments received by the Department in response to this notice will be reviewed by Department staff as part of its evaluation of the agency's compliance with the criteria for recognition. A subsequent Federal Register notice will announce the meeting and invite individuals and/or groups to submit requests for oral presentation before the Advisory Committee on the AMDA and other agencies being reviewed at the meeting. That notice, however, does not constitute another call for written comment. This notice is the only call for written comment. Request for Renewal of Recognition and Expansion of Scope The agency listed below is seeking renewal of recognition and expansion of scope: 1. The American Dietetic Association (requested scope of recognition: the accreditation of coordinated undergraduate programs in Dietetics and postbaccalaureate Dietetic Internships). The agency is seeking an expansion of scope for (1) Coordinated Programs at the graduate level; (2) Dietetic Technician Programs (associated degree level); and (3) preaccreditation status for all programs. Public Inspection of Petitions and Third-Party Comments All third-party comments received in response to this call for comment, as well as the agency's original petition and supporting documentation, and the Department staff analysis of that petition will be available for public inspection and copying at the U.S. Department of Education, ROB-3, Room 3915, 7th and D Streets, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5244, telephone (202) 708-7417 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is preferred that an appointment be made in advance of such inspection and copying. Dated: August 26, 1996. David A. Longanecker, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. [FR Doc. 96-22220 Filed 8-29-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-M