FAQs - SACS and QEP

What is SACS?

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is the recognized regional accrediting body for institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees in the eleven U.S. southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

What is the Purpose of Accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary and self-regulatory mechanism of the higher-education community. Achieving and maintaining accreditation serves to foster public confidence in educational organizations, demonstrates compliance with standards, enhances institutional effectiveness, improves the quality of educational programs, and meets the requirements to receive federal financial aid for students.

Is St. Petersburg College Accredited?

Yes, St. Petersburg College (SPC) is accredited by SACS, and has been since 1931. SPC was last reaffirmed in 2008. You can review the 2007 Compliance Certification and the Reaffirmation Committee Report. You can also check SPC's accreditation status via: www.sacscoc.org/details.asp?instid=60773

What is the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)?

See: Quality Enhancement Plan

What is the Quality Enhancement Committee (QEC)?

The QEC, co-chaired by a full-time faculty member and senior administrator, is responsible for providing oversight and strategic direction to the QEP Team during the QEP initiative. Members of the QEC consist of faculty and staff from across the College, including Faculty Champions and members of Academic Round Tables (ARTs).

What is the timetable of events related to SACS activities for SPC?

Date	Activity
2008	Last reaffirmed
October 15, 2012	Notification Letter from the President of the Commission on Colleges
September 15, 2013	Fifth-Year Interim Report Due
December 2013	Review by the Commission on Colleges
2018	Next reaffirmation

What is required of the Fifth-Year Interim Report?

There are five parts to the Fifth-Year Interim Report, and SACS maintains a Web page devoted to the report containing a number of supporting documents via: www.sacscoc.org/FifthYear.asp Included on that page are directions for Part III with an addendum outlining the 14 standards that must be addressed in the Fifth-Year Interim Report: www.sacscoc.org/pdf/Directions%20for%20Completion%20of%20Part%20III.pdf The report template gives direction for each part, including Part V which is the Impact Report of the Quality Enhancement Plan: www.sacscoc.org/fifth%20year/Fifth%20Year%20Interim%20Report.doc

Additional Resources:

• SharePoint Site: onecollegesupport.spcollege.edu
  From the "Committees & Groups" menu item, click “SACS Working Group”
• Accreditation Research Document
• SACSCOC Presentation: www.sacscoc.org/staff/cbaird/Whats%20This%20Fifth-Year%20Interim%20Review.pdf
• Resource Manual: www.sacscoc.org/pdf/handbooks/Exhibit%2031.Resource%20Manual.pdf
• Templates: www.sacscoc.org/cctemplates.asp
• SPC's Compliance Certification for 2007: www.spcollege.edu/sacs/compliance/index.htm
• Handbook: www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/Handbook%20for%20Institutions%20seeking%20reaffirmation.pdf
• Distance Education: www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/Distance%20Education%20and%20the%20Principles%20of%20Accreditation.pdf
• Institutional Effectiveness Presentation

Examples:

• Valencia Community College (October 2009): valenciacc.edu/sacs
• East Carolina University (April 2009): www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/sacs/report.cfm

How do I learn more about SACS reaffirmation and QEP initiatives at SPC?

For questions or comments, please contact us at CriticalThinking@SPCollege.edu