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Appalachian State University Receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the SACSCOC

Dec. 12, 2013. Appalachian State University has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), according to information released today by the commission. The reaccreditation is for a 10-year period. 

appalachian-state-universitys-womens-basketball-team-announces-the-complete-2013-2014-game-schedule“In these challenging times in higher education, our faculty and staff have, once again, clearly demonstrated their commitment to quality in our academic programs,” said Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock who was in Atlanta attending the 2013 SACSCOC Annual meeting where the announcement was made.

“I could not have been more proud, or appreciative, this morning when the announcement was made that accreditation at Appalachian was reaffirmed by SACSCOC. This is another great accomplishment, a true point of pride, for the faculty and staff at Appalachian,” he said.

The process for reaffirmation of accreditation began in fall 2009 and included the university’s documentation of compliance with SACSCOC’s Principle of Integrity, 16 core requirements, 58 comprehensive standards and seven federal requirements. An on-site visit by an accrediting team in April ensured that Appalachian has the resources, programs and services to accomplish and sustan its educational mission and that educational objectives are consistent with its mission and are appropriate to the degrees it offers. 

As part of the reaffirmation process, the university was required to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for improving student learning. Appalachian’s QEP focuses on developing students’ globally competent knowledge, cultivating students’ intercultural competencies and providing opportunities and experiences that foster their growth as globally competent citizens. 

All federal and state funding is dependent upon accreditation. Appalachian has been accredited by SACSCOC since 1942.

Appalachian’s SACSCOC compliance certification process was led by Peacock; Provost Lori Gonzalez; SACS liaison and director of Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning Dr. Bobby Sharp; and George Donovan, associate dean of libraries, who chaired the compliance certification committee.

Development of the QEP was led by Dr. Tony Carey, vice provost for faculty affairs. It is being directed by Dr. Garner Dewey. 

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.