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COLLEGIATEGEOSPATIALINTELLIGENCECERTIFICATE
ACCREDITATIONGUIDELINES2013
UnitedStatesGeospatialIntelligenceFoundation
2325DullesCornerBoulevard,Suite450
HerndonVA20171
Office703-793-0109
Fax703-793-9069
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STEPSINUSGIFACCREDITATIONPROCESS
SchoolengagesconversationwithUSGIFacademicdirectortoinitiateprogramreview
Dr.MaxBaber
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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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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CurriculumFramework 3
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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CurriculumFramework 4
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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CurriculumFramework 5
# 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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PoliciesandProcedures 12
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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PoliciesandProcedures 13
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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PoliciesandProcedures 14
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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PoliciesandProcedures 15
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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PoliciesandProcedures 16
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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PoliciesandProcedures 17
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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PoliciesandProcedures 18
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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PoliciesandProcedures 19
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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PoliciesandProcedures 20
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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PoliciesandProcedures 21
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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PoliciesandProcedures 22
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
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