The foundation for ATHEA is its mission and values. These foundational concepts establish the operational context, scope, and governance of the association.They are part of ATHEA’s Charter which establishes the legal basis for the association.
The International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) provides a thorough discussion regarding accreditation and Quality Assurance Agencies (www.INQAAHE.org).
The US Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also provides an important discussion regarding accreditation and includes questions to consider towards evaluating if an agency or institution is bogus (www.CHEA.org).
The Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA) is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that is dedicated to quality assurance and improvement through accreditation via peer evaluation, within and beyond the European area, including those in countries that are signatories to the Bologna Protocols.
Accreditation by ATHEA instils public confidence in the institutional mission, goals, performance, and resources through its rigorous accreditation standards and their enforcement of those standards. ATHEA standards for accreditation are based on the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG) required for recognition by the European Quality Assurance Register in Higher Education (EQAR).
The Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA) aspires to be the preeminent resource for institutions of higher education striving to achieve excellence in fulfilling their missions. ATHEA intends, through voluntary assessment and adherence to high standards for student learning outcomes and operational behavior, to assure higher education’s publics that its accredited institutions are fulfilling their stated purposes and addressing the publics’ expectations.
The Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA) is guided by these Core Values:
- Integrity & Transparency – impartial processes and public accountability.
- All Board activities, decisions, and processes must be documented and aligned with ATHEA's published mission and strategic objectives. This ensures that stakeholders can understand and trust our governance processes.
- Peer-Led Self-Regulation & Stakeholder Engagement – collegial evaluation that fosters continuous improvement. The Board recognizes that effective governance requires input from diverse perspectives. We actively seek and incorporate feedback from member institutions, students, employers, and the broader higher education community.
- Respect for Institutional Diversity – contextual judgement aligned to each institution’s mission.
- Continuous Improvement - Quality assurance is not a one-time activity but an ongoing cycle of planning, implementation, evaluation, and enhancement.
Professional Excellence & External Accountability - The Board submits to regular external review to validate our practices and maintain public trust. Board members must demonstrate the highest standards of competence, ethics, and professional conduct in all activities.
