(Pls excuse the cross-posting in case you belong to multiple DPGs)
Over the Winter ACEND finalized the 2027 ACEND Standards which are substantially different from the 2022 ACEND Standards. To my chagrin, I only just learned about this, so I thought I would pass the info along in case anyone else who provides pro bono mentoring to students might be interested in it.
The New 2027 ACEND Standards information is available on the ACEND website (first login to eatrightpro.org > ACEND (https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend) under Public Notices and Announcements, Virtual Town Hall Meetings, December 16 and 18, 2025 (2027 Accreditation Standards for All Program Types) Presentation Slides, and also Meeting Minutes, then the recording link is found on Vimeo; additionally there is also info in the January 20, 2026 (2027 Accreditation Standards Q&A) Meeting Minutes.
It's a real game changer since the New 2027 ACEND Standards in part read "the graduate degree must be in a major course of study in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, public health, food system management, or equivalent". The New 2027 ACEND Standards focus on 'competencies based education' (CBE) and "curriculum stacking" from Associates Level through DPD through Master's Degree (in the updated defined focal areas) to the DI.
If you provide pro bono mentoring to students, etc, as I do, and you were also previously unaware that the 2027 ACEND Standards had been finalized, I urge you to check this info out.
Stephanie
Stephanie Brina-Herres, MS, RDN, LDN (for PA)
51 Year 'Academy' Member