Axe ’Em, Jacks!
What is SACSCOC Accreditation?
To gain or maintain accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an institution must comply with the standards contained in “Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement” and with the policies and procedures of the Commission. SACSCOC applies the requirements of its principles to all applicant, candidate and member institutions, regardless of type of institution (public, private for-profit or private not-for-profit).
Accreditation Reports
Stephen F. Austin State University submitted its most recent SACSCOC Compliance Certification Report in September 2020 for a 2021 reaffirmation decision. This report was reviewed by a SACSCOC off-site review committee who provided initial findings. In response to those findings, SFA submitted a focused report that responded to initial findings of potential non-compliance identified by the off-site committee. The report was reviewed by an on-site review committee who subsequently visited SFA from March 29 to April 1 and provided a report of their findings.
In response to the on-site committee findings, SFA provided a response report to the on-site committee.
The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reviewed all of the aforementioned reports and findings on December 2, 2021 and reaffirmed SFA’s accreditation. SFA was required to submit a Monitoring Report regarding full implementation and compliance with SACSCOC Standard 8.2.b (Student outcomes: general education) to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees on September 8, 2022. The SACSCOC Board of Trustees reviewed the Monitoring Report on December 4, 2022 and determined that no additional reporting was required by Stephen F. Austin State University.
Quality Enhancement Plan
A plan for quality enhancement is another requirement for accreditation. The Quality Enhancement Plan is a document developed by the institution that includes a process identifying key issues emerging from institutional assessment; focuses on learning outcomes and/or the environment supporting student learning and accomplishing the mission of the institution; demonstrates institutional capability for the initiation, implementation and completion of the QEP; includes broad-based involvement of institutional constituencies in the development and proposed implementation of the QEP; and identifies goals and a plan to assess their achievement.
SFA submitted its most recent SACSCOC Quality Enhancement Plan in February 2021.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SFA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate, master's and doctorate. Questions about the accreditation of SFA 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).