SACSCOC Accreditation

Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialists and doctorate degrees. Georgia Southern University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Georgia Southern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

SACSCOC Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Engage boldly. Assess with purpose. Shine with excellence. Achieve reaffirmation. Rise higher.

Georgia Southern University is preparing for our 2025 reaffirmation of accreditation, which includes an off-site review, on-site review, and final review by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. To prepare for these reviews, we have adopted six phases to track our progress through the reaffirmation process. This process is an opportunity for us to reflect on the defining characteristics of our institution and to document and strengthen our policies and procedures to ensure the quality and sustainability of all aspects of our institution.

To achieve reaffirmation of accreditation, extensive documentation is required including the preparation of a Compliance Certification narrative supporting and providing evidence of compliance for each standard and the creation of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Compliance Certification teams, focusing on a subset of related standards, will assist in preparing the Compliance Certification narratives. Drafts of the Compliance Certification will be reviewed internally and by external consultants for feedback and verification prior to the submission deadline in early Fall 2024. Reaffirmation requires the time and collaboration of all colleges, departments, and administrative units. At Georgia Southern University, we strive to make a difference for our students, faculty, staff, and community by supporting our mission and our commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Dates

Phases

• Phase 1: Kick-Off and Training
  • Phase 1 includes identifying and training compliance certification team.
• Phase 2: Information Gathering
  • Compliance Certification teams make recommendations based on an internal audit and begin gathering evidence for narratives in Phase 2.
• Phase 3: Draft Submission & Internal Review
  • Teams draft initial Compliance Certification narratives and revise narratives based upon an internal review in Phase 3.
  • Phase 3 includes three segments: Build & Compose, Analyze & Resolve, and Revise & Rewrite.
• Phase 4: External Review & Revisions
  • Phase 4 includes two rounds of external reviews and revisions of Compliance Certification narratives.
• Phase 5: Quality Check & SACSCOC Peer Review
  • Phase 5 includes a final quality check of submitted materials including the Compliance Certification narrative and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) as well as the off-site and on-site SACSCOC Reaffirmation Reviews.
• Phase 6: Response & Reaffirmation
  • Phase 6 includes the final review by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees and announcement of reaffirmation at the SACSCOC Annual Meeting.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

• Determines if an institution meets or exceeds common standards of excellence for education
• Affects eligibility of faculty and staff to receive grants
• Helps students identify acceptable institutions for enrollment
• Determines eligibility for students to receive federal and state financial aid
• Impacts acceptance and transferability of credit hours and courses to other institutions
• Enables graduates to sit for licensing exams and pursue graduate programs
• Helps employers determine if a job applicant is qualified

General Resources from SACSCOC

As we work toward reaffirmation of accreditation, keep in mind these resources provided by SACSCOC:

• The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement
• Resource Manual for The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement
• Handbook for Institutions Seeking Reaffirmation
• Index of SACSCOC Documents – includes polices and interpretations
• Quality Enhancement Plan