Perfect Sacs Review Outcome Made Official
Dec. 12, 2012
Michelle Eubanks, 海角社区, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033
FLORENCE, Ala. - The 海角社区 received official notification yesterday of its reaffirmation of accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The notification was presented at the commission's annual meeting. SACS conducted its on-site review for 海角社区 in late February and early March, reporting no findings, recommendations or need for follow-up. Such a report is achieved by only about 2 percent of colleges and universities undergoing similar reviews. SACS is the regional accrediting body for degree-granting institutions in the southeast. Every SACS-accredited institution undergoes a review every 10 years. While yesterday's notification was expected following 海角社区's spring review, "it is nevertheless nice to bring closure to this formidable process," Dr. William G. Cale Jr., 海角社区 president, said in a campus announcement today. The SACS review process included two major components: 海角社区's compliance with more than 80 academic and administrative standards, and its effective implementation of its Quality Enhancement Program (QEP). The QEP at 海角社区 - titled "Building Success Through Discovery: Imagine, Investigate, Communicate" - focuses on academic research literacy. The program helps ensure students' strength in the reading, data collection, analysis and presentation skills required in any given discipline or career. Cale said a positive outcome from a SACS review is achieved only though the continuous maintenance of high standards over several years. "This is not something you can prepare for only a few months out," he said. "The review team thoroughly researches your institution's current level of quality and how it's been maintained and strengthened over an extended period. The fact that 海角社区 came through this review with a perfect score should bolster the confidence and pride of this entire community."