INTRODUCTION
Higher Accreditation Association for Online Schools (HAAOS) has been selflessly working for the promotion and improvement of online education world over. HAAOS was established to promote sound educational standards and ethical business practices of online universities. The accrediting functions of the HAAOS are performed by a Commission which was set up to consider the quality of education and curriculum of different educational institutions. With its highly refined and recognized accreditation program, HAAOS offers distance learning institutions the most current, relevant and practical services for the 21st century. Being a non-profit, voluntary organization, the HAAOS has been selflessly working for the promotion and improvement of online education world over.

MISSION STATEMENT:
The aim of Higher Accreditation Association for Online Schools (HAAOS) is to support the maintenance and enhancement of quality standards for distance learning education. It works to ensure that HAAOS accredited distance learning remains an effective method of education and training for learners of all ages. HAAOS promotes institutional self-improvement, ensures academic quality and aids its members in the quest for acceptance and excellence. HAAOS serves quality assurance in an open education market by evaluating study programs on the basis of the degree program profile and by developing quality standards and evaluation criteria.

GOALS:
The goals of the Higher Accreditation Association for Online Schools (HAAOS) are:

(1) To serve the members of the Council and to promote the interest and general welfare of the distance education and independent learning fields;

(2) To establish standards for the operation and conduct of distance education institutions and to provide suitable accreditation for organizations meeting these standards;

(3) To promote the adoption of sound educational standards and ethical business practices in the distance education and independent learning fields;

(4) To work with public and private agencies at all levels in the development and exchange of information helpful to the advancement of distance education and independent learning fields;

(5) To co-operate with local, state and federal authorities in the maintenance of high standards and sound policies in the fields of distance education and independent learning;

(6) To conduct and promote research for the advancement of distance education and independent learning; and

(7) To undertake any activity necessary for the accomplishment of these goals, consistent with the public interest and the interests of the distance education and independent learning fields.

COMMITTEES:
The HAAOS Accrediting Commission Chair appoints all standing committees. The committees are:

Standards Committee
This purpose of this committee is to investigate educational problems unique to distance education and training fields, to survey the efficiency and effectiveness of instructional methods and procedures and to recommend to the Commission policies, standards and practices to govern the members of the Association.

Awards and Recognition Committee
The duties of this committee are to determine the individual or individuals who shall receive recognition through awards for their distinguished services to the distance education and training fields. The selection of the award recipients shall be the sole responsibility of the committee.

Finance, Budget and Audit Committee
The duties of this committee are to study and recommend methods of determining equitable dues and fees. The committee shall also have the responsibility of preparing an annual budget for approval by the Commission and presentation to the Association at the annual meeting.

Nominating Committee
The Chair of the Commission will appoint a committee charged with nominating officers and replacement members to the Accrediting Commission. Public members of the Commission and the Commission's officers will be elected by the Commission itself and Commissioners from HAAOS -accredited institutions will be elected by members of the Association.