75 Four graduate programs have been accredited: East Tennessee State University (1977); Colorado State University (1979); California State University, Northridge (1979); and East Carolina University (1981). Activity at the associate-degree level has been limited. The programs at Staten Island Community College (New York) and Ferris State College were accredited but are no longer listed. Neither program is presently offered. In September 1979, the Council submitted a petition to the Department of Educa tion, Office of Postsecondary Education, Eligibility and Agency Evaluation Section for initial recognition of its accreditation program for baccalaureate level programs in environmental health. After conducting a preliminary review of the Council, the staff of the Eligibility and Agency Section observed an on-site visit conducted by the Coun cil at East Carolina University in March 1981 and observed a business meeting of the Council held in Phoenix, Arizona in June 1981. The observers noted that the Council was very professional and conducted business in a fair and proper manner. It was suggested that the Council should encourage more sensitivity to output evaluation and be aware of the need to include "outside" members on site teams. After further discus sions with the agency the Council withdrew its petition in 1982. In effect the U.S. Department of Education is no longer certifying accrediting organizations. The Council is an autonomous entity (legally incorporated in Delaware, July 1979) which relates to and works closely with the National Environmental Health Associa tion from which it evolved. The Charter specifies that the Council is to submit an annual report to the Association. The Association handles the fiscal operations of the Council and disseminates information on accreditation upon request. The Council has been successful in improving the quality of academic environmen tal health programs and has had an impact on the quality of environmental health services provided to citizens through its accreditation activities and by providing consultation to institutions developing environmental health curricula. ..
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