SACS Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Helpful Resources

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement (2008 Interim Edition)

This official SACS document outlines the Core Requirements, Comprehensive Standards, and Federal Requirements with which UNA must comply and provide evidence of compliance.

Compliance Reports - Examples from other SACS Institutions
Note: These reports have not been reviewed for quality or comparability with UNA, but are offered here merely as examples. Websites change frequently, so these listed below may not continue to be accessible.

Florida State University
Francis Marion University
Georgia State University
Kennesaw State University
Loyola University, New Orleans
McNeese State University
North Carolina State University
Sam Houston State University
Southeastern Louisiana University
Texas A & M International University
Troy University
University of Alabama, Birmingham
University of Alabama, Huntsville
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
University of Memphis
University of Texas, Arlington
University of Texas, Dallas
University of West Florida
Virginia Commonwealth University (pdf)

General SACS Policies

Deadlines for Reports and Profiles (pdf)
Distance Education (pdf)
Integrity and Accuracy in Institutional Representation (pdf)
Mission Statement of the Commission on Colleges (pdf)
Reaffirmation of Accreditation and Subsequent Reports (pdf)
Substantive Change for Accredited Institutions of the COC (pdf)
Unreported Substantive Change (pdf)

SACS Guidelines and Forms

Advertising, Student Recruitment, and Representation of Accreditation Status(pdf)
Compliance Certification Document
Communicating Information Electronically: Guidelines (pdf)
Faculty Credentials (pdf)

SACS Handbooks

Handbook for Reaffirmation (pdf of 2004 edition)

This SACS handbook provides an overview of the reaffirmation process by describing the steps involved in the process, responsibilities of the various parties involved, examples of narratives to document compliance, and suggested methods for reporting compliance. TheHandbook is to be used in concert with the Resource Manual. TheHandbook is undergoing revision and is not entirely in sync with the 2008 Interim Edition of the Principles.

Resource Manual for the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement (pdf of 2005 edition) 

The Resource Manual supplements the Principles of Accreditation by offering institutions guidance on questions to consider and possible sources of documentation as they seek to document compliance. TheManual is undergoing revision and is not entirely in sync with the 2008 Interim Edition of the Principles.

Handbook for Review Committees (pdf of 2005 edition)

The Handbook for Review Committees is a SACS document used by reviewers and chairs of Off-Site and On-Site Review Committees as they evaluate institutions in their bid for reaffirmation. It provides details about the philosophy behind accreditation, the specific processes involved in SACS reaffirmation, and guidance for conducting both off-site and on-site evaluations, including typical timelines, guidance for writing the reports, and the responsibilities of committee chairs. The Handbookis undergoing revision and may not be entirely in sync with the 2008 Interim Edition of the Principles.

Quality Enhancement Plan

SACS QEP Handbook (pdf)

The QEP Handbook supplements the Principles of Accreditation, providing institutions with specific guidance concerning the process of identifying an appropriate topic, developing the Quality Enhancement Plan report, and formatting requirements.

QEP: Lead Evaluator Nomination Process (pdf)

Summaries of Quality Enhancement Plans from 2007 Track B Reaffirmation Class

Summaries of Quality Enhancement Plans from 2008 Track b Reaffirmation Class

University of North Alabama Resources

Catalogs

Graduate Catalog (links to pdf version for several years)
Undergraduate Catalog (links to pdf version for several years)

Diversity at UNA (pdf)


General Information about UNA


Handbooks for the UNA Community

Faculty Handbook
Staff Handbook (pdf)
Student Handbook (pdf)


Institutional Data for UNA


Institutional Effectiveness at UNA

I.E. Committee 
Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment


Presentations

SACS Reaffirmation Kickoff Presentation (ppt)
PowerPoint presentation given April 27, 2009, to introduce UNA faculty
and staff to overall SACS process and to highlight upcoming accreditation-related activities.


SACS Compliance Certification at UNA


Shared Governance at UNA

Steps for Making Changes at UNA (pdf)

UNA Mission Statement

UNA Strategic Plan (pdf)

UNA’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Discipline-Specific Accrediting Bodies relevant to UNA

ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
ACBSP Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
CCNE Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CSWE Council on Social Work Education
NASAD National Association of Schools of Art and Design
NASM National Association of Schools of Music
NCATE National Council on Accreditation for Teacher Education


Organizations that Approve or Accredit Specific Academic Programs

ACS American Chemical Society
NKBA National Kitchen & Bath Association


Given the fluid nature of websites, some of the links found on UNA’s SACS Reaffirmation website may no longer be active. Please contact Celia Reynolds(256-765-4625) or e-mail SACS@una.edu to report any dead links or to send any questions or comments.

Revised 7/9/2009