With these preliminary judgments, you will be ready to initiate discussions, and deal more effectively with consultant candidates. Locating Qualified Consultant Candidates Professional consultants and consultant firms are in operation throughout the country today. There are also many individuals who represent themselves as such, but whose credentials and abilities do not support their claims. Contacting schools similar to your own to see if they have used consultants and, if so, for what purposes. Ask whether or not their experience was satisfactory.
Reliable referrals are frequently available from such sources.
Asking your school's accrediting agency for consultant referrals. Contacting other consultants whose background is known to you, but who may not themselves be available to assist you, to see if they can recommend qualified colleagues. Requesting information from your state or regional association or a Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Education. You should keep in mind that information provided cannot necessarily be interpreted as an endorsement of an individual consultant. Evaluating the Qualifications of Consultant Candidates Before initiating any substantive discussions with candidates, it is wise to request their credentials and references from previous employers, especially from institutions similar to your own.