You do not have JavaScript Enabled on this browser. Please enable it in order to use the full functionality of our website.

Site Visitor Application Process

Accreditation Handbook—Chapter VII: Site Visitors


The CAA accepts applications for the site visitor pool each year, typically in the fall, with the application period closing December 31. Site visitors serve as part of the corps of volunteers who travel to university campuses to conduct accreditation reviews on behalf of the CAA for graduate education programs in audiology and speech-language pathology. Four-year terms start July 1 and are renewable.

The application period is currently closed, but it will open again in the fall of 2024. In the meantime, please review the qualifications for each category below.

Site Visitor Categories

The CAA identified three site visitor categories and distinct qualifications to ensure representation across the many perspectives of graduate education:

  • Academic Faculty
  • Clinical Faculty
  • Practitioner

If selected, all site visitor trainees must continue to meet selection qualifications when the site visitor term begins July 1. Individuals selected to serve as site visitors who have any changes in their employment setting that may affect their ability to meet qualifications for service (i.e., move from a university academic position to a practice setting and vice versa) or who retire from their positions must inform Accreditation staff as soon as possible. (See Maintaining Qualifications in Chapter VII: Site Visitors of the Accreditation Handbook [PDF] for more information.)

Benefits of Volunteering as a CAA Site Visitor

  • Develop and cultivate new professional relationships
  • Observe research and programs in action
  • Learn the ins and outs of academic program accreditation
  • Gain knowledge on how the profession progresses
  • Visit programs seeking accreditation across the United States
  • Grow professionally
  • Give back to the educational community

Commitment to Serve

  • Attend an initial training workshop  funded by and held at ASHA’s National Office in June 2024.
  • Complete a trainee site visit within the first two semesters after successfully completing the initial training.
  • Commit to a four academic-year term, beginning July 1.
  • Be willing to participate in 1–2 visits per semester.
  • Participate in annual site visitor training updates/professional development presented by the CAA (usually through a webinar).
  • Serve as a site visit chair once requirements have been met (Academic Faculty only).
  • Provide evaluations of fellow site visit team members.

Application Process and Notification

Applications are not currently being accepted for CAA site visitors. If you meet the qualifications for any of the site visitor categories and are interested in promoting quality academic programs, please consider submitting an application in fall 2024 during the next recruitment and application period.

Required Application Information

  • Curriculum vitae for past 5 years
  • Names of 2 references
  • Personal statement addressing qualifications to serve
  • Statement of the applicant’s availability to conduct site visits

Site visitors are vetted by a committee of the CAA and voted on by the entire CAA during their winter (February/March) meeting. Notifications are made in late March to all applicants whether or not they were selected. If selected, the CAA asks you to accept the appointment and verify your availability for the training dates. Individuals must successfully complete the initial training workshop to be considered part of the CAA Site Visitor Pool.

For in-depth information, please refer to Chapter VII: Site Visitors in the Accreditation Handbook. Please contact Accreditation staff at caasvapplicants@asha.org if you have questions.

About ASHA

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology assistants, and students.

Connect With ASHA

About the CAA

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) accredits eligible clinical doctoral programs in audiology and master's degree programs in speech-language pathology. The CAA relies on a dedicated corps of volunteers serving as Council members and site visitors to accomplish the work of the accreditation program.

Contact the CAA

Questions and/or requests for information about accreditation or the CAA can be directed to:

The Council on Academic Accreditation in
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850

800-498-2071

Email the CAA