Introduction
After extensive discussion, IAWS has decided to provide on-site reviews (Certification) of programs on request. Certification is intended to be a broad evaluation for educational (primarily graduate) and research programs (at universities or institutes). A Certification Oversight Committee (COC), which is a committee of the Academy Board, is responsible for administering the process.
The major benefits to the organization are:
1. With approval of certification, international recognition as a leading program of wood science. This is furthered by the program being posted on the IAWS web site and a certificate of Certification presented to the organization by the President of IAWS.
2. Feedback from very knowledgeable IAWS Fellows as to potential improvements in programs (irrespective of the outcome of the review) for national and international peers.
The process starts when a request for Certification is received. Included on this website is an “Application for Certification” that organizations may use to initiate the process. The COC then appoints a 2-3 member Certification Review Committee that would do the on-site evaluation. Their findings are reported to the COC, which then sends a recommendation to the Executive Committee for a final decision. Details of the entire process are given in the CERTIFICATION HANDBOOK.