A 3-4-person group selected from the Accreditation Council that examines the self-study, site review report, and other accreditation documents related to an educator preparation providerÕs (EPP) case for accreditation. These documents include recommendations from the evaluation team about the sufficiency of evidence for each standard, including their recommendations on areas for improvement (AFIs) or stipulations, if any. The Initial Review Panel determines the need for AFIs or stipulations, as well as whether standards are met, and forwards its conclusions to the Joint Review Team, and then to the Accreditation Council. The Joint Review Panel and Council confirm or amend areas for improvement, stipulations, and standards met or not met. The Accreditation Council makes all final accreditation decisions.