The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges recently announced that it has reaffirmed ACC’s accreditation.

“Reaffirmation of accreditation is critical to assuring our communities that we are the right choice to meet our students’ educational goals,” says ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes. “We’re pleased that SACSCOC has affirmed the quality of our programs and our commitment to our mission.”

Every 10 years SACSCOC reviews its member institutions to ensure they are providing students with a quality education and maintaining the necessary standards for accreditation. More than a stamp of approval, accreditation gives students access to federal financial aid, makes it easier for them to transfer credits to other institutions, and confirms the quality of the college’s faculty and support services.

The reaffirmation caps an intensive review process in which ACC submitted reports detailing every program and activity at the college, created and launched a multi-year Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), and hosted SACSCOC reviewers at several campuses.

ACC completed the first phase of the reaffirmation process in March 2012 when it submitted its Compliance Certification, a comprehensive self-assessment of its compliance with SACSCOC requirements. Â In October 2012, reviewers from SACSCOC member institutions toured several campuses and spoke with employees and students about programs and services.

The college also launched its QEP, “Math PLUS,” last year. Math PLUS targets developmental mathematics and will be supported by the new Math Emporium planned for ACC Highland.

“Through this thorough assessment and the QEP, reaffirmation of accreditation becomes more than just a periodic event, but an opportunity for continuous improvement that ultimately will translate to student success,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes and ACC Interim Provost Dr. Enrique Solis commended the work of the many administrators, faculty, and staff members who contributed to the reaffirmation effort.

“We like to say ‘It takes a college,’ and that was certainly true with the reaffirmation process,” Rhodes said.

Accreditation activities are managed by SACS Coordinators Bailey Lathem and Dr. Joann Kroll. For more information, visit the SACSCOC Accreditation webpage.