SACS Update: Web site Launch, Process and Timeline
As discussed in the October issue of “In A Nutshell,” Meredith is in the midst of preparing for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The College is developing a web site designed to provide information about the requirements to be met and the process to be followed. Watch for an e-mail in the next few days that will provide a link. The SACS Leadership Team hopes you will visit the site, ask questions, and support our institutional efforts.
The reaffirmation process includes two major components that must be satisfactorily addressed – Compliance Certification and the Quality Enhancement Plan.
Compliance Certification
The College will complete an extensive internal review and produce a Compliance Certification report that provides responses to the core requirements, comprehensive standards, and federal requirements. The Commission on Colleges (COC) will provide information to determine if Meredith fully complies with its expectations of institutional integrity and compliance with all Commission policies and reporting requirements.
Quality Enhancement Plan
One of the Core Requirements is the development of a satisfactory Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) proposal that focuses on improving student learning outcomes. The QEP must have broad-based campus involvement and must emerge from institutional planning, assessment and research. It will address an area that will clearly demonstrate Meredith’s commitment to continuous improvement of student learning. The QEP Committee is working with the broad theme of strengthening the support system for academic success, especially for freshmen and sophomores.
Review Process
The Compliance Certification report will be reviewed by an Off-Site Committee. Peer evaluators will identify any areas in which it appears Meredith is out of compliance, and the College will have an opportunity to respond.
An On-Site Committee visit will include a careful examination of the Quality Enhancement Plan proposal, any areas of concern identified by the Off-Site Committee, and certain federal requirements.
The report of the On-Site Committee goes to a Committee on Compliance and Reports of the SACS Commission on Colleges for review. This committee makes its report and recommendations to the Executive Council; its report goes to the full Commission for a final decision on reaffirmation and any follow-up activities that might be required. The Commission on Colleges will report its decision in December 2010.
Meredith’s SACS Timeline
Completed:
Appointed SACS Leadership Team - Summer 2007
Identified QEP Focus Area / Conducted Compliance Audit - 2007-2008
Sent Leadership Team to Atlanta for Orientation Session - June 2008
Appointed QEP Committee - Summer 2008
In progress:
Complete Compliance Certification Report - 2008-2009
Develop QEP Proposal - 2008-2009
Upcoming:
Submit Compliance Report to SACS/COC - September 10, 2009
Receive Report of Off-Site Review Committee - November 2 – 5, 2009
Submit Quality Enhancement Plan (and Focus Report, if any) - December 2009
Host On-Site Review Committee - February 2 – 4, 2010
File any necessary follow-up response to Committee’s report - TBA
Receive decision of the Commission on Colleges, based on reviews / recommendations of a Committee on Compliance and Reports and the COC Executive Council - December 4 - 7, 2010
Continue to look for updates in future issues of “In a Nutshell” and don’t forget to watch for Meredith’s SACS reaffirmation web site.
Accounting Department staff member Victoria Barsotti traveled a long road before arriving at Meredith, where she found the job she says she loves too much to ever give up.