The DETC is a voluntary, NON-governmental, educational organization that operates a nationally recognized accrediting association, the DETC accrediting commission. The DETC accrediting commission defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence in distance education. The commission fosters quality assurance, protection of the rights of the students and institutional self-improvement through voluntary accreditation VIA PEER evaluation. DETC accreditation AIMS to instill public confidence in DETC institutions' missions, goals, performances and resources through a rigorous and fair application and PEER-developed accreditation standards.