SACSCOC Compliance Planner

This document outlines the policy of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding the disclosure of accrediting documents and actions. It details which documents can be released by institutions or SACSCOC, under what circumstances, and to whom, including provisions for public statements by institutions and consequences for breaches of integrity.

This document outlines the process for reviewing Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Impact Reports, detailing what institutions need to include in their reports and the procedure followed by the Committee on Fifth-Year Interim Reports. It also describes the possible outcomes of this review, such as acceptance with comment or referral for further review.

This document outlines the accreditation procedures for institutions seeking membership with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the policy statement, application requirements, and the criteria for accreditation, emphasizing compliance with the *Principles of Accreditation*. The document also addresses specific conditions for international institutions and those not participating in Title IV HEA programs.

This document details the accreditation actions taken by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees on June 11, 2026. It lists various institutions and the specific accreditation decisions made for each, including reaffirmations, removals from warning, initial accreditations, candidacy grants, and continuations of accreditation following reviews of off-campus instructional sites.

This document outlines the process for institutions to complete a Compliance Certification for accreditation by SACSCOC. It details the required comprehensive compliance audit, the four parts of the certification, and the specific attestations and information needed for each part, including substantive changes and institutional self-assessment against SACSCOC standards.

This document is a form from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) used for various accreditation activities. It collects detailed institutional information including levels of offerings, governance structure, Title IV participation, history, off-campus instructional sites, degrees offered, and other accrediting agencies. The form is designed to be updated and submitted for different stages of the accreditation process.

This document outlines the policies and procedures related to 'Substantive Change' within an institution. It covers various aspects such as compliance, non-compliance, specific requirements for different change types, review processes, and associated fees. The document also includes appendices for a glossary, quick reference, and a summary of recent changes.

This document outlines a framework for analyzing an institution's compliance with accreditation standards. It provides a matrix format to evaluate different components, categorizing compliance levels as unacceptable, weak, or acceptable. The document emphasizes that the matrix components are not summative and evaluators must weigh issues to assess compliance strength.

This document provides an interpretation of Standard 6.2.a (Faculty qualifications) by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It outlines the requirements for institutions to justify and document faculty qualifications for accreditation, specifying reporting periods and methods for different types of institutions and faculty roles. The interpretation clarifies which faculty members must be included in reporting and the documentation expected.

This document outlines the policy statement from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding distance education and correspondence courses. It defines these educational modalities, details requirements for student identity verification and privacy, and addresses institutional obligations, mission alignment, curriculum, instruction, and academic support services for such programs.

This document is an addendum for an institutional compliance certification or focused report, likely for an accreditation process. It outlines the attestation process by institutional leadership and provides directions for assessing compliance with specific core requirements and standards, including how to document both compliance and non-compliance.

This document provides an interpretation of Standard 8.2.a of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Principles of Accreditation. It clarifies how "transfer" associate's degree programs (Associate of Arts and Associate of Science) should be assessed for compliance with student learning outcomes, particularly regarding their classification as educational programs and the expectations for their learning outcomes.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for institutional accreditation, particularly focusing on substantive changes, governance, administration, and financial integrity. It details the attestation process for institutions undergoing changes, emphasizing compliance with SACSCOC's Principles of Accreditation and policy statements. The document also covers specific standards related to institutional mission, governing boards, administrative responsibilities, and transparency.

This document outlines the requirements for an interim review of off-campus instructional sites by an accreditation body. It details the information institutions must provide regarding the proposed substantive change, focusing on compliance with specific accreditation principles related to integrity, administration, faculty, student achievement, resources, and support services at these off-campus locations.

This document outlines the role and responsibilities of an Accreditation Liaison, a position recommended by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for its member institutions. The liaison acts as a primary contact between the institution and SACSCOC, ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements and facilitating effective communication regarding accreditation issues and policies. The document also provides guidelines for selecting and becoming an effective liaison.

This document outlines the policy statement on 'Integrity and Institutional Obligations to SACSCOC' by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It emphasizes that institutional integrity is the foundation of the relationship between SACSCOC and its member institutions, requiring honesty, openness, and accurate information provision. The policy details expectations for institutions to maintain integrity in all matters, including timely and accurate reporting, candid self-assessment, and cooperation with SACSCOC, with non-compliance potentially leading to loss of accreditation.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for an institution undergoing a Substantive Change, likely related to expanding programs or opening new sites, as assessed by SACSCOC. It details various sections covering integrity, administration, faculty, student achievement, educational programs, policies, library resources, student support, and financial/physical resources, requiring institutions to provide narratives and documentation to demonstrate compliance.

This document outlines the information and logistical arrangements for a committee visit organized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It details responsibilities for information completion, transportation, accommodation, meal guidelines, and meeting schedules for the visiting committee.

This document outlines a framework for reviewing Quality Enhancement Plans (QEPs) within an institutional context. It details five key components—Topic, Broad-based support, Focus, Resources, and Assessment—that are used to evaluate the effectiveness and compliance of a QEP. The framework also provides a rubric for assessing each component, ranging from 'Unacceptable' to 'Exceptional' performance.

This document outlines the process for conducting a compliance review and documenting compliance for the Fifth-Year Compliance Certification. It provides guidance on using the 'Handbook for Institutions Seeking Reaffirmation of Accreditation' and the 'Resource Manual,' emphasizing the need for clear, concise, and complete reports with definitive evidence of compliance. The document also offers practical reminders for preparing and submitting the certification.

This document outlines the deadlines and procedures for institutions to submit various reports and responses to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the consequences of late submissions, requests for delays, and the process for reviewing institutional compliance with accreditation principles, including potential sanctions.

This document outlines the policy and procedures for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the ten-year review cycle, the requirements for compliance with the Principles of Accreditation, and the process for evaluating distance education, correspondence courses, and off-campus instructional sites, including international locations.

This document outlines the philosophy, process, and organizational structure of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the requirements for institutions to achieve and maintain accreditation, emphasizing quality enhancement, institutional integrity, and student success. The document also describes the roles of various SACSCOC bodies and the types of documents and policies involved in the accreditation process.

This document outlines the timelines for the Reaffirmation and Differentiated Review Process (DRP) for the years 2025 and 2026. It details key deadlines and events for two distinct tracks, A and B, which differentiate between undergraduate-only institutions and those with graduate programs. The timelines cover various stages from initial interest surveys to final board reviews.

This document is a resource manual for the 'Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement' by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It outlines the standards and requirements for accreditation, including principles of integrity, basic eligibility, educational program structure, and provides definitions of key terms and procedures related to the accreditation process for higher education institutions.

This document outlines comprehensive standards for higher education institutions, focusing on accreditation requirements. It covers institutional mission, governance, academic programs, financial resources, and student services. The document emphasizes the importance of clear policies, regular evaluation, and compliance with regulatory bodies to ensure institutional quality and effectiveness.

This document outlines the policy and procedures for units of institutions already accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to seek separate accreditation. It details the application process, requirements, financial obligations, and decision-making authority, emphasizing that SACSCOC accredits institutions as a totality but provides a pathway for separate accreditation under specific conditions.

This document outlines the process and requirements for an institution to request a period of noncompliance from SACSCOC. It details the information needed for the request, including the reason, specific standards, and a plan for returning to compliance. The document also specifies submission instructions and fields for SACSCOC office use.

This document is an initial accreditation guide from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It provides contact information for SACSCOC and indicates it is the March 2018 edition, likely serving as a foundational document for institutions seeking accreditation.

This document outlines compliance requirements for higher education institutions, specifically focusing on the impact of expanding programs to a new degree level. It details standards across various institutional aspects, including integrity, mission, faculty qualifications, program structure, student outcomes, educational policies, and resources. The document emphasizes providing narrative and documentation to support compliance, with a particular focus on how the program expansion affects each standard.

This document provides general instructions for completing the Faculty Roster Form, which is used by institutions responding to Standard 6.2.a (Faculty qualifications) or for substantive change reviews. It details who should be included on the roster, how to establish faculty qualifications, and specific instructions for filling out each column of the form. The document emphasizes the importance of documenting faculty credentials and other relevant qualifications.

This document outlines the policy for observers participating in on-site reaffirmation review committees for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the conditions, responsibilities, and expectations for observers, host institutions, and SACSCOC staff regarding logistics, conduct, and interactions during the review process.

This document outlines the policy and procedures for the Fifth-Year Interim Review, a mandatory report for SACSCOC member institutions as part of their Reaffirmation cycle. It details the requirements for the report, including addressing selected standards and the impact of the Quality Enhancement Plan, and describes the review process by various SACSCOC committees. The document also covers procedures for institutions with rapid growth in off-campus instructional sites.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for institutions undergoing a substantive change, specifically a program expansion, as part of an accreditation process. It details various sections that institutions must address, including integrity, mission, faculty qualifications, student achievement, educational program structure, academic policies, and resources. The document serves as a guide for institutions to demonstrate compliance with accreditation principles.

This document outlines the SACSCOC's interpretation on sampling for accreditation reviews, specifically for demonstrating effectiveness in administrative services, educational programs, and academic and student services. It details the criteria for valid sampling, emphasizing the need for a representative cross-section of the institution and a compelling justification for the chosen samples.

This document outlines the policy and procedures for SACSCOC member institutions to request a period of noncompliance with accreditation standards. It details the extraordinary circumstances under which such exemptions may be granted, such as natural disasters, economic changes, or accepting students from closing institutions. The process involves a formal written request and approval by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees or Executive Council.

This document outlines the interpretation of Core Requirement 8.1 (Student achievement) for institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the expectations for member institutions to identify, evaluate, and publish goals and outcomes for student achievement, emphasizing the use of multiple measures and the establishment of criteria and thresholds of acceptability. The document specifically highlights graduation rates as a required measure and discusses the various indicators institutions can use.

This document is a faculty roster form used to collect information about the qualifications of full-time and part-time faculty members at an institution. It includes fields for institutional details, departmental information, and the academic terms covered.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for an institution undergoing a substantive change, likely related to accreditation. It details various sections covering institutional integrity, mission, governance, administration, faculty, planning, educational programs, resources, and transparency, emphasizing compliance with SACSCOC principles.

This document is a form for institutions undergoing reaffirmation review by SACSCOC. It requires the institution to attest that certain faculty members, who were qualified during a prior review, are still teaching the same content at the same level, and that the curriculum has not significantly changed. It also notes that the Reaffirmation Committee may review faculty qualifications and files.

This document is a Differentiated Review Verification Form from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It collects institutional information, including contact details for the CEO and Accreditation Liaison, and asks about significant changes in leadership, enrollment, and board/administrative distinction over the past five years.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for an institution undergoing a substantive change, specifically the establishment of new branch campuses, as part of an accreditation process. It details various sections covering integrity, administration, faculty, student achievement, educational programs, policies, resources, and transparency, requiring the institution to provide narrative and documentation to demonstrate compliance with each standard.

This document outlines guidelines for international travel and committee visits by SACSCOC evaluators to member institutions, particularly those with sites outside the United States. It details procedures for reviewing international off-campus instructional sites, including definitions for alternate review plans and unsafe travel conditions. The guide also specifies protocols for visits deemed inadvisable or unsafe, covering advisory visits, substantive change visits, and reaffirmation visits to international institutions.

This document outlines interpretations and requirements for Standard 12.6 of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), focusing on student debt and financial literacy. It details the expectation for institutions to provide financial management guidance to all student borrowers and to document their success in these efforts. The document also introduces the Key Post-College Financial Indicator (KPCFI) as a metric for evaluating post-college financial outcomes.

This document details the accreditation actions taken by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees at their meeting on December 7, 2025. It lists institutions whose accreditation was reaffirmed, those requiring monitoring reports, institutions granted initial accreditation or candidacy, and those with approved changes in governance or reviewed off-campus sites.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for institutions undergoing a substantive change, likely related to accreditation. It details the information and documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with various principles and sections, including institutional integrity, administration, faculty qualifications, student achievement, educational program structure, and student support services. The document emphasizes providing evidence and narratives to support adherence to accreditation standards.

This document outlines the policy and procedures for dues, fees, and expenses charged by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It details the calculation of annual membership and candidate dues, various application and candidacy fees, and expenses associated with committee visits for accreditation and candidacy.

This document outlines interpretations for Core Requirement 9.3 of the Principles of Accreditation, focusing on general education requirements for undergraduate programs. It specifies the minimum credit hours and subject areas required for associate and baccalaureate degrees, clarifying what types of courses qualify for the humanities/fine arts component.

This document outlines the policies and procedures of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding institutional non-compliance with accreditation standards. It details the monitoring period, various sanctions (Warning, Probation), and the process for removal from membership. The document emphasizes the importance of integrity and timely correction of deficiencies by member institutions.

This document outlines the structure and content for a review report concerning an institution's off-campus instructional sites. It provides directions for both the review committee and the institution on how to document compliance with various standards, including integrity, administration, faculty qualifications, student achievement, and resources. The report aims to capture an overview and rationale for changes, as well as the institution's capacity for implementation.

This document outlines the process and components of the Compliance Certification required for institutions seeking accreditation from SACSCOC. It details the four parts of the certification, including signatures, a list of approved substantive changes, and an institutional assessment of compliance with SACSCOC's Principles of Accreditation, emphasizing the need for honest assessment and comprehensive documentation.

This document outlines the requirements and procedures for an institution to report a substantive change, likely the establishment of new instructional sites, to SACSCOC. It details the information and documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with accreditation principles, focusing on faculty qualifications, student achievement, educational policies, and resources at these new sites.

This document is a handbook for institutions seeking reaffirmation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It provides guidance and procedures for the reaffirmation process, outlining the requirements and expectations for institutions.

This document outlines guidelines and standards from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding the employment and responsibilities of full-time faculty. It distinguishes between two core requirements, CR 6.1 and Standard 6.2.b, focusing on the sufficiency of full-time faculty to support institutional mission and program quality, respectively. The document also provides guidance on how institutions should demonstrate compliance with these requirements.

This document outlines the SACSCOC timeline charts for the submission and review of Fifth-Year Interim Reports for institutions undergoing reaffirmation between 2029 and 2036. It provides a step-by-step guide for institutions to determine their specific deadlines based on their next reaffirmation date and whether they are a Track A (undergraduate degrees only) or Track B (graduate degrees offered) institution. The document details key activities and their corresponding dates for each reaffirmation class.

This document outlines the procedures for Special Committees authorized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). These committees evaluate institutional compliance with accreditation principles, particularly in response to specific accreditation-related concerns. The document details the authorization, conduct, and reporting protocols for these Special Committee reviews, including handling cases of institutional bankruptcy.

This document outlines the policy and procedures for institutions seeking accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding Core Requirement 3.1.b. It details how institutions can document an alternative approach if they do not offer all coursework for at least one degree program at each level they award degrees, ensuring quality and compliance with accreditation standards.

This document outlines the appeals procedures for institutions challenging adverse decisions made by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. It details the types of decisions that can be appealed, the composition and selection of the Appeals Committee, and the criteria for identifying and managing conflicts of interest among committee members. The process is administrative, not subject to legal rules of evidence, and places the burden of proof on the appealing institution.

This document outlines an interpretation of Standard 13.8 (Institutional environment) by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It clarifies that institutions must report investigations by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights regarding alleged sexual violence in their compliance certifications and interim reports. This reporting requirement applies to both open and recently closed investigations.

This document outlines the requirements and procedures for an institution undergoing a substantive change, likely a program expansion, as part of an accreditation process. It details the information and attestations required from the institution, focusing on various aspects such as faculty qualifications, student achievement, educational program structure, and institutional resources. The document serves as a guide for institutions to demonstrate compliance with accreditation principles.

This document outlines the requirements and standards for an educational institution undergoing a substantive change, specifically related to the establishment or expansion of a prison education program. It details the information and documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with accreditation principles across various operational areas, including integrity, administration, faculty, student achievement, educational policies, and resources. The document serves as a guide for institutions to prepare for an accreditation review of such programs.

This document outlines the procedures and requirements for institutions to submit various documents to SACSCOC for accreditation review. It details the types of reports, submission guidelines, and specific instructions for preparing and presenting these documents, including information on potential delays and electronic submission. The primary focus is on ensuring compliance and providing clear, concise documentation for evaluation.