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Quality Enhancement Plan

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)?

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

To gain or maintain accreditation with SACSCOC, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges. The SACSCOC accreditation process helps institutions of higher learning set and maintain high academic standards, foster public confidence in the institution’s academic value, and establish eligibility for certain grants and federal aid programs.


Why is accreditation important?

Accreditation is a quality assurance program to inform students, the public, and other stakeholders that  South University has met thresholds of performance on established criteria. Accreditation is affirmed through periodic review by peer evaluator teams and is important to affirm academic excellence and high standards of an institution to the public.


What is reaffirmation of accreditation?

Every ten years, colleges and universities accredited by SACSCOC must demonstrate that they comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation and with the policies and procedures. This process is called reaffirmation of accreditation.


What is a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)?

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requires each university to have a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which is a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue(s) that was selected after a close examination of data about the institution and the student experience.

Developing a QEP as part of South University’s reaffirmation process is an opportunity for our institution to enhance our overall institutional quality by proposing a project that we believe will improve student learning and success to accomplish the mission of South University.

 

How was the topic selected?

The topic of the QEP is determined through a multi-step process that involves a broad cross-section of the University’s faculty, staff, and students. The process began in the Fall of 2022 and was refined through a rigorous democratic process designed to ensure that the community within South University is supportive of the plan.

 


How will we know if the QEP is successful?

South University uses both indirect and direct measures, both qualitative and quantitative data, to assess the outcomes and benchmarks related to the overall plan and its goals where student success improvements are concerned. Our approach includes scheduled formative assessments, allowing us to adjust implementation activities, timelines and assessment instruments, as necessary. Three QEP committees, including Executive Steering Committee, Development and Implementation Committee, and Assessment Committee, comprised of University leaders and students evaluate information on a monthly basis to determine the effectiveness of the plan during the five-year duration to completion.


What if I have questions regarding South University’s QEP or SACSCOC accreditation?

If you have any further questions regarding South University’s QEP, please contact South University’s QEP Director, Dr. Mandy Smith at mansmith@southuniversity.edu.

If you have any further questions regarding SACSCOC and their accreditation process, please visit their website www.sacscoc.org, email questions@sacscoc.org, or call 1-404-679-4500.