Program Reviewer Responsibilities

ACEND^® is seeking educators from each of the accredited program types (DTR, DPD, DI and CP) and practitioners who represent major areas of dietetics practice to become reviewers of ACEND-accredited education programs. This volunteer position is an excellent way to gain leadership experience and skills.

General Qualifications

1. Registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership preferred
3. Master's or higher degree preferred
4. Willing to provide professional leadership
5. Employed in education or practice for more than three years
6. Have a commitment to quality nutrition and dietetics education programs
7. Represent major areas of nutrition and dietetics practice
8. Represent different geographical areas of the United States

ACEND covers travel-related costs to attend training workshop and site visits.

Benefits

Benefits include continuing education credit for attending reviewer training; potential credit toward professional service requirements for promotion and tenure; learning about other dietetics education programs; eligibility to become an ACEND board member; establishing new professional networks with educators and practitioners; gaining knowledge that can help prepare you for your own program or organization's accreditation review; and contributing to the advancement of the profession.

Q&A Sessions

Applicants are encouraged to attend a Q&A session to provide more information about the program reviewer role. These sessions are optional but recommended. Our next Q&A session will be held on:

February Applicants Webinar

• Date: March 6, 2025
• Time: noon – 1 p.m. (Central time)
• Webinar Access | Password: ACENDPR25

Selection Process

The ACEND Nominating Committee reviews all complete applications which includes two references who may be contacted. The ACEND Nominating Committee recommends qualified candidates who meet current reviewer pool needs to the ACEND board for appointment approval. Applicants are notified of the ACEND Board's decision within one month of the board meeting when program reviewers are appointed.

• October applicants will be reviewed at the December board meeting.
  Applicants have until November 15 at 11:59 p.m. (Central time) to rescind their application.
• February applicants will be reviewed at the April board meeting.
  Applicants have until March 15 at 11:59 p.m. (Central time) to rescind their application.

Two-Part Training Process and Timeline to First Site Visit

October Applicant Timeline:

• Appointed reviewer receives virtual self-paced training (part 1) by January 15; training must be completed by February 15
• Three-year term begins June 1
• Reviewer attends in-person training in Chicago, Ill. (part 2) in June
• Program reviewer attends first site visit as a second accompanying (trainee) during the July-December site visit cycle

February Applicant Timeline:

• Appointed reviewer receives virtual self-paced training (part 1) by May 15; training must be completed by June 15
• Three-year term begins June 1
• Program reviewer attends first site visit as a second accompanying (trainee) during the following years' January-March site visit cycle
• Reviewer attends in-person training in Chicago, Ill. (part 2) in June following their first site visit

Training

All newly appointed reviewers must complete the part 1 virtual self-paced training prior to participating in an onsite site visit. Part 2 in-person training must be completed prior to continuing as a program reviewer and participating in additional onsite site visits.

Email questions to ACEND