SACS accreditation is a voluntary approval process for higher education institutions in the southern US and Latin America. Accreditation is earned through compliance with educational standards set by the Commission on Colleges and requires a commitment to integrity and improvement. The process is based on peer review and includes core requirements such as approval to award degrees, a board of directors, and an institutional mission. The comprehensive accreditation standards cover the institution’s mission, governance and effectiveness, and programs and resources. SACS-accredited schools must adhere to federal requirements under Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998.
SACS accreditation is the approval of an institution of higher education by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS is a commission for higher education in the southern states of the United States and Latin America. Accreditation by SACS shows that the institution intends to provide higher education and has the resources to achieve and continue that goal.
Being approved for SACS accreditation is voluntary, but it shows that the institution has met the educational standards set by the Commission on Colleges. SACS accreditation status is earned and can be renewed. The SACS accreditation process is based on a peer review process. The institution seeking accreditation is reviewed and evaluated based on compliance with accreditation standards.
When reviewing an institution, the first thing the peer council will look at is the integrity of the institution and its commitment to improvement. This requires the institution to deal openly and honestly with the commission. Providing inaccurate information, withholding information or not providing information in a timely manner can be seen as a lack of dedication to integrity. Doing so may result in loss of membership and accreditation.
SACS-accredited schools must dedicate themselves to improving their programs to enhance the learning environments they provide. It is critical that each institution that achieves SACS accreditation meets the same goals of constant improvement. All applicants, including for-profit, private, and not-for-profit private institutions, must adhere to these principles.
To achieve compliance with the core requirements of SACS accreditation, an institution must meet the requirements or provide an explanation in situations where the requirements are not met. Key requirements include approval from the governing body to award degrees, the existence of a board of directors and an executive director, and an institutional mission. Other requirements include program information, faculty, learning resources, an improvement plan, and proof of operation with students enrolled in degree programs.
The comprehensive accreditation standards are divided into three sections: the institution’s mission, the governance and effectiveness that the institution exhibits, and the programs and resources accessible by the institution. These standards are believed to be good practice in education. Each should show the level of success expected of all institutions that hold SACS accreditation.
The US Secretary of Education accepts College Commission accreditation as long as they follow approved programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Federal requirements under these guidelines may include state licensing, defined curriculum, program duration, and processes for handling student complaints. Students must have access to grading and refund policies as well as academic calendars.
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