WPC( 8Qˣ|&4{&Sp3s6]X9% v)}%W# km>twN|`AI'rE|hA/#$/ ^JpoSl@f$I B?iTŽK .2gO>;M`@c(pJ \E_Jxij@#jsnL¦a*A>WIl!'Ga}ET%Dc?VOӂ> PhWGf*hǧ U][.MV>m`;`趝RT7nU7d1"C4Be1Yk0rL Dvm.7_&Tǰz/,%cQxKC8U喾"@EE5jmn&_OS"$ %P$MV$(Z$N$^ $w$4$$ m$U,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ D5$ B"%"%"% D5?% Bt% D5% B% D5% B& D55& Bj& D1& D5& B*& D5' B*L' D5v' B*' D5' B* ( D54( B7i( B7(2G+J 0_level1  X /%4 4 <DL/23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  2D+J 0_level2   ," <DL,23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  2A+J 0_level3   ) <DL)23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  2>+J 0_level4  ` &<<DL&23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  2;+J 0_level5   #DL#23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  28+J 0_level6    DL 23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  25+J 0_level7  h DDL23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  22+J 0_level8   L23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  2/+J 0_level9    L23  ..  2( 4 <DL2  2GJ 0_levsl1  X /%4 4 <DL/23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  2DJ 0_levsl2   ," <DL,23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  2AJ 0_levsl3   ) <DL)23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  2>J 0_levsl4  ` &<<DL&23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  2;J 0_levsl5   #DL#23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  28J 0_levsl6    DL 23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  25J 0_levsl7  h DDL23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  22J 0_levsl8   L23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  2/J 0_levsl9    L23  Ԁ  2( 4 <DL2  2GJ 0_levnl1  X /%4 4 <DL/23   2( 4 <DL2  2DJ 0_levnl2   ," <DL,23   2( 4 <DL2  2AJ 0_levnl3   ) <DL)23   2( 4 <DL2  2>J 0_levnl4  ` &<<DL&23   2( 4 <DL2  2;J 0_levnl5   #DL#23   2( 4 <DL2  28J 0_levnl6    DL 23   2( 4 <DL2  25J 0_levnl7  h DDL23   2( 4 <DL2  22J 0_levnl8   L23   2( 4 <DL2  2/J 0_levnl9    L23   2( 4 <DL2  7\  `"TimesNewRoman.\  `"TimesNewRoman>2A` Arial,Italic}2A`Arial,BoldW2A`Arial,Bold%2A`Arial $0WPTypographicSymbolsK2A`(Arial,BoldItalicK2A` Arial,ItalicK2A`Arial,Boldp2A`Arial,BoldD2A`(Arial,BoldItalicD2A` Arial,ItalicD2A`Arial,Bold3|X(4а$..      HP LaserJet 4 Plus,,,,0,! Z&Georgia Regular-X~/L Ku/:i+00U,iAZArial \\\\)!dxdx d````)!dxdx  dbbbb)!dxdxP Pddddd)!dxdx dffff)!dxdx dbb)! dxdxiiii)!dxdx&0 d dkkkk)!dxdx&P d dmmmm)!dxdx&p d Pdoooo)!dxdx&p Pd dqrqr)!dxdx3+0 d d d3+0 d d d +а!..       _     X XX-Xpage1  XX 5August2003    5  SectionI.PRINCIPLESANDPHILOSOPHY \ OFACCREDITATION + bK  bKbK  OVERVIEW  ) PurposeandPhilosophyofAccreditation  A   XekX bK!XekXX Xek  TheCommissiononCollegesoftheSouthernAssociationofCollegesand  Y  Schoolsistheregionalbodyfortheaccreditationofhighereducationinstitutions ?  inthesouthernstates(Alabama,Florida,Georgia,Kentucky,Louisiana, %  Mississippi,NorthCarolina,SouthCarolina,Tennessee,Texas.andVirginia)and   LatinAmericaawardingassociate,baccalaureate,master"XXX!Xek!XekXX"Xs,ordoctoraldegrees.     AccreditationofaninstitutionbytheCommissiononCollegessignifiesthe  institutionhasapurposeappropriatetohighereducationandhasresources,  programs,andservicessufficienttoaccomplishthatpurposeonacontinuing e basis.Accreditationevaluateswhetheraninstitutionmaintainsclearlyspecified K educationalobjectivesthatareconsistentwithitsmissionandappropriatetothe 1 degreesitoffersandwhetheritissuccessfulinachievingitsstatedobjectives. g TheregulationofaccreditationrelatestoatraditionalU.S.philosophy"XXX!XekC!XekXX"Xthatafree M peoplecanandoughttogovernthemselves,whichisdonebestthrougha E representative,flexible,andresponsivesystem.Accordingly,accreditationisbest + accomplishedthroughavoluntaryassociationofeducationalinstitutions.  Accreditationenhanceseducationalqualitythroughouttheregionbyimproving  theeffectivenessofinstitutionsandensuringtothepublicthatinstitutionsmeet  standardsestablishedbythehighereducationcommunity.Accreditationisa s commondenominatorofsharedvaluesandpracticesamongthediverserangeof Y institutionswithinthehighereducationcommunity.Bothaprocessanda ?  product,accreditationreliesonintegrity,thoughtfulandprincipledjudgment,the %!u rigorousapplicationofrequirements,andacontextoftrust.Itprovidesan  "[ assessmentofaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xseffectivenessinthefulfillmentofitsmission,its "A compliancewiththerequirementsofitsaccreditingassociation,andits #9  continuingeffortstoenhancethequalityofstudentlearninganditsprogramsand $ ! services.BaseduponX XX!XekԀ!XekXXX reasonedjudgment,theprocessservestostimulate %!" evaluationandimprovement,whileprovidingameansofcontinuing &!# accountabilitytoconstituentsandthepublic.The"XXX!XekA!XekXX"Xproduct"XXX!Xek@!XekXX"Xofaccreditation '"$ representsapublicstatementofaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xscontinuingcapacitytoprovide (#% effectiveprogramsandservicesbasedonagreeduponrequirements.The x)$& statementofaninstitutionsaccreditationstatuswiththeCommissionon ^*%' Collegesisalsoanaffirmationofaninstitution"XXX!Xek!XekXX"Xscontinuingcommitmenttothe D+&( Commission"XXX!Xek!XekXX"Xsprinciplesandphilosophyofaccreditation.TheCommissionon <,') Collegessupportstherightofaninstitutiontopursueitsestablishededucational 4-(* mission;therightoffacultymemberstoteach,investigate,andpublishfreely;  andtherightofstudentstoopportunitiesforlearningandtheopenexchangeof  ideas.However,theexerciseoftheserightsshouldnotinterferewiththe | overridingobligationofaninstitutiontoofferitsstudentsasoundeducation.The b fundamentalcharacteristicsofaccreditationoutlinedbytheCommissionon H Collegesarethese:7XekXX!XekԀ . ~ 1.0 4 Participationintheaccreditationprocessisvoluntaryandisanearnedand  J renewablestatus. 04!4! 2.0 4 Memberinstitutionsdevelop,amend,andapproveaccreditation    requirements.  4!4! 3.0 4 Theprocessofaccreditationisrepresentative,responsive,and   appropriatetothetypesofinstitutionsaccredited.x 4!4! 4.0 4 Accreditationisaformofselfregulation.^ 4!4! 5.0 4 Accreditationrequiresinstitutionalcommitmentandengagement.D 4!4! 6.0 4 Accreditationisbaseduponapeerreviewprocess.*z 4!4! 7.0 4 Accreditationisbaseduponaninstitutionalcommitmenttostudent ` achievement.F4!4! 8.0 4 Accreditationacknowledgesaninstitution=sprerogativetoarticulateits , missionwithintherecognizedcontextofhighereducationandits  responsibilitytoprovideevidenceitisaccomplishingitsmission.75X7Xek7XekX754!4! 9.0 4 Accreditationexpectsaninstitutiontodevelopabalancedgovernance  structuredesignedtopromoteinstitutionalautonomyandflexibilityof t operation.Z4!4! 10.0 4 Accreditationexpectsaninstitutiontoensurethatitsprogramsare @ complementedbysupportstructuresandresourcesthatallowforthetotal &v growthanddevelopmentofitsstudents.#!XekXX7Xek7# \4!4!   !bKX!Xek bK!bK  PrinciplesofAccreditation (   XekX bK!XekXX XekThefirsttaskoftheCommissionwhenconsideringaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsaccreditation @ statusistodeterminetheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsintegrityanditscommitmenttoquality  8 enhancement.Thesetwoprinciplesserveasthefoundationoftherelationship !0  betweentheCommissionanditsmemberandcandidateinstitutions. "!  #XekXX!Xek  Integrity $#  !XekXX#Xek  Integrityisacorevalueessentialtothepurposeofhighereducation,functioning ^&!% asthebasicsocialcontractdefiningtherelationshipbetweentheCommission D'"& andeachofitsmemberinstitutions.Itisarelationshipinwhichallpartiesagree *(z#' tocommitthemselvestohonestyandopennessintheirdealingswiththeir )`$( constituenciesandwithoneanother.Withoutthiscommitment,norelationship )F%) canexistorbesustainedbetweentheCommissionanditsmemberinstitutions. *,&* TheCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsrequirements,policies,processes,procedures,anddecisions +'+ arepredicatedonintegrity.TheCommissiononCollegesexpectsintegrityto , (, governtheoperationofinstitutions.Therefore,evidenceofintentionally -(- withholdinginformation,deliberatelyprovidinginaccurateinformationtothe  public,orfailingtoprovidetimelyinformationtotheCommissionwillbe  construedasanindicationofthelackofafullcommitmenttointegrityandmay | resultinthelossofmembershipintheCommissiononColleges. b  #XekXX!Xek  QualityEnhancement . ~ \$ !XekXX#XekTheCommissiononCollegesexpectsinstitutionstodedicate  J themselvestoenhancingthequalityoftheirprogramsand  0 serviceswithinthecontextoftheirmissions,resources,and    capacities,andcreatinganenvironmentinwhichteaching,    research,andlearningoccurs.!5X!Xek!5   X XX XXX !XekXXX Theconceptofqualityenhancementisattheheartofthe e  Commission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsphilosophyofaccreditation;thispresumeseach K  memberinstitutionisengagedinanongoingprogramof C  improvementandcandemonstratehowwellitfulfillsitsstated )y mission.Althoughevaluationofaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xseducationalquality _ anditseffectivenessinachievingitsmissionisadifficulttask W requiringcarefulanalysisandprofessionaljudgment,an = institutionisexpectedtodocumentqualityandeffectivenessinall # itsmajoraspects.    !bKX!Xek bK!bKANORGANIZATIONALOVERVIEW    XekX bK!XekXX XekTheSouthernAssociationofCollegesandSchoolsisaprivate,nonprofit,  voluntaryorganizationfoundedin1895inAtlanta,Georgia.The  AssociationiscomprisedoftheCommissiononColleges,the w CommissiononSecondaryandMiddleSchools,andtheCommissionon ] ElementaryandMiddleSchools.Thethreecommissionscarryouttheir C missionswithconsiderableautonomy,developingtheirownstandards )y andprocedures,andgoverningthemselvesbyadelegateassembly.All _ threeoperateundertheAssociation"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsboardoftrustees. E TheCollegeDelegateAssemblyiscomprisedofonevoting  = representative(thechiefexecutiveofficerortheofficer"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsdesignee)from !#  eachmemberinstitution.Itsresponsibilitiesincludeelectingthe77 "! memberCommissiononCollegestoguidetheorganization"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xswork,to #" approveallrevisionsinaccreditingstandardsasrecommendedbythe $# Commission,toapprovetheduesofcandidateandmemberinstitutions % $ asrecommendedbytheCommission,andtoelectanAppealsCommittee u&!% tohearappealsofcertainaccreditationdecisions. ['"& AselectedbytheCollegeGeneralAssembly,the77member A(#' CommissiononCollegesisresponsibleforpreparingastatementonthe ')w$( standardsforcandidacyandmembership;authorizingspecialvisits;  *]%) takingfinalactionontheaccreditationstatusofinstitutionsbasedonlyon *C&* itspublishedstandards,policies,andprocedures;nominatingtothe +)'+ CollegeDelegateAssemblypersonstosucceedthosemembersofthe ,(, Commissionwhosetermsexpire;electinganExecutiveCouncilofthe -(- CommissionthatwillactfortheCommissionwhileitisnotinsession;  appointingspecialstudycommitteesasneeded;andapprovingthe  policiesandproceduresconsistentwiththeAssociation"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xscharterand | bylaws. t The13memberExecutiveCouncilistheexecutivearmofthe Z CommissionandfunctionsonbehalfoftheCommissionandtheCollege @  DelegateAssemblybetweensessions.However,theactionsofthe & v CouncilaresubjecttotherevisionandapprovaloftheCommission.The!5X!Xek!5  \ X XX XXX page5  B !XekXXX CouncilinterpretsCommissionpoliciesandprocedures;develops  /  proceduresforandsupervisestheworkofspecialandstanding    committeesoftheCommission;approvesgoalsandobjectivesofthe   Commission;reviewsandapprovestheCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsbudget;oversees   andannuallyevaluatestheworkofitsexecutivedirector;andinitiates   newprograms,projects,andpolicyproposals. o  TheCouncilreceivesandactsonreportsfromallspecialandstanding U  committeesandsubmitsthemtotheCommission.Inthecaseof ; institutionsapplyingforcandidacy,membership,orreaffirmationof !q accreditation,theExecutiveCouncilreceivesrecommendationsfromthe W CommitteesonCriteriaandReports,standingevaluationcommitteesof = theCommission,andinturnsubmitsitsrecommendationsonthese # institutionstotheCommissionforfinalaction.!5X!Xek!5   X XX XXX page6   @XX  bK@THEPROCESSOFACCREDITATION    XekX bK!XekXX XekTheprocessforinitialandcontinuedaccreditation  involvesacollectiveanalysisandjudgmentofan ~ institution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsinternalconstituencies,aninformed d reviewbypeersexternaltotheinstitution,anda \ reasoneddecisionbyelectedrepresentativestothe B CommissiononColleges.Institutionsaccreditedby (x theCommissionperiodicallyconductinternal  ^ reviewsinvolvingtheiradministrativeofficers,staffs,  D faculties,students,trustees,andothersappropriate !*  totheprocess.Theinternalreviewprovidesan "! institutiontheopportunitytoconsiderits #" effectivenessinachievingitsstatedmissionandits $# compliancewiththeaccreditationrequirements r% $ establishedbytheCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsmembership. X&!% Furthermore,ithelpsaninstitutiontoevaluateits P'"& effortsinenhancingthequalityofstudentlearning 6(#' andthequalityofprogramsandservicesofferedto )l$( itsconstituenciesaswellaschallengingitselfin *R%) examiningitssuccessesinaccomplishingits *8&* mission.Attheculminationoftheinternalreview, +'+ peerswhorepresentthehighereducation ,(, communityassessaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xscompliancewith -(- theCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsaccreditationrequirementsandits  effortstoenhancethequalityofitsprogramsand  services.  Althoughpeerevaluatorsrepresentingthe t Commissionapplytheirprofessionaljudgmentin Z conductingapreliminaryassessmentofthe @  institution,electedCommissionersmakethefinal & v determinationofaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xscompliancewiththe  \ Commission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsaccreditationrequirements.  T  !bKX!Xek bK!bKTheApplicationoftheRequirements  L    XekX bK!XekXX XekTheCommissiononCollegesaccredits_degreegranting_ X  highereducationinstitutionsandentities >  basedonrequirementsdefinedinits$XekXX!XekPrinciplesof $  Accreditation:FoundationsforQuality   Enhancement!XekXX$Xek.Therequirementsapplytoall   institutionalprogramsandservices,wherever   locatedorhoweverdelivered.The$XekXX!XekPrinciplesof l Accreditation!XekXX$Xekisdesignedtoguideinstitutionsinall R stagesofmembership,fromapplicationthrough 8 initialaccreditationandreaffirmationofaccreditation.!5X!Xek!5 n X XX XXX page7 T !XekXXX Compliancewiththerequirementsisintendedto A helpaninstitutionachieveoveralleffectiveness.The ' CommissiononCollegesappliestherequirements   ofits$XekXX!XekPrinciples!XekXX$Xektoallapplicant,candidate,and  memberinstitutions,regardlessofthetypeof  _institution"XXX!XekC!XekXX"Xprivate_Ԁforprofit,privatenotforprofit,or o public. g TheCommissionevaluatesaninstitutionandmakes M accreditationdecisionsbasedonthefollowing: 3 "XXX!Xek$!XekXX"XCompliancewiththe$XekXX!XekPrinciplesof  i Accreditation!XekXX$Xekdefinedasintegrityand !a commitmenttoqualityenhancement. !G  "XXX!Xek$!XekXX"XCompliancewiththeCoreRequirements. "-! "XXX!Xek$!XekXX"XCompliancewiththeComprehensive #%" Standards. $ # "XXX!Xek$!XekXX"XCompliancewithadditionalrequirements %!$ relatedtoparticipationinTitleIVprograms. &!% TheCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsphilosophyofaccreditationprecludesdenialof '"& membershiptoadegreegrantinginstitutionofhighereducationonany (#' groundotherthananinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsfailuretomeettheaboverequirements o)$( intheprofessionaljudgmentofpeerreviewers,orfailuretocomplywith g*%) thepoliciesandproceduresoftheCommission. M+&*  %XekXX!XekCompliancewiththeCoreRequirements 3,'+ forCandidacyandMembership -i(,  !XekXX%XekCompliancewiththeCoreRequirementsisessentialforgaining  andmaintainingaccreditationwiththeCommissiononColleges.  Therequirementsestablishalevelofdevelopmentrequiredofan | institutionseekinginitialorcontinuedaccreditation.Compliance b withtheCoreRequirementsisnecessarybutnotsufficientto H warrantaccreditationorreaffirmationofaccreditation.Tomaintain . ~ accreditation,aninstitutionmustmeetallCoreRequirements,  d includingRequirement12.AninstitutionrespondstoeachCore  J Requirementbyeitherconfirmingcomplianceorexplainingthose  0 situationsforwhichthereislessthancompliance.    CoreRequirement12requiresaninstitutiontodevelopan    acceptableQualityEnhancementPlan(_QEP_)andshowthatthe   planispartofanongoingplanningandevaluationprocess.!5X!Xek!5 x  X XX XXX page8 ^  !XekXXX Engagingthewideracademiccommunity,the_QEP_Ԁisbasedupon K  acomprehensiveandthoroughanalysisoftheeffectivenessofthe 1  learningenvironmentforsupportingstudentachievementand g accomplishingthemissionoftheinstitution.Itisusedtooutlinea M courseofactionforinstitutionalimprovementbyaddressingoneor 3 moreissuesthatcontributetoinstitutionalquality,withspecial  attentiontostudentlearning.  AnapplicantinstitutionseekingmembershipwiththeCommission  onCollegesisrequiredtodocumentcompliancewithCore { Requirements1"XXX!XekB!XekXX"X11inordertobeawardedcandidacy,candidacy a renewal,ormembership. Y  %XekXX!XekCompliancewiththeComprehensiveStandards ?  !XekXX%XekTheComprehensiveStandardssetforthrequirementsinthe %u followingthreeareas:(1)institutionalmission,governance,and  [ effectiveness;(2)programs;and(3)resources.The A ComprehensiveStandardsestablishanecessarylevelof ' accomplishmentexpectedofallmemberinstitutions.Institutions   respondtoeachComprehensiveStandardeitherbyconfirming   complianceorbyexplainingthosesituationsthatconstituteless !  thancompliance. o"! Guidelinespertainingtotheacademicandprofessional U#" preparationoffacultyfunctionastheevidencetheCommission ;$# normallywouldexpecttobepresentwhendeterminingtheoverall !%q $ qualityofaninstitution.ThesearenotComprehensiveStandards. &W!% AlthoughComprehensiveStandardsdonotrepresenttheonly &="& meansbywhichinstitutionsmightmakesuchdeterminations,they '##' dorepresentthenormsorcommonlyacceptedstandardsofgood ( $( practicewithinthelargercommunityoftheCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xs )$) membership. *%*  %XekXX!XekCompliancewithFederalRequirementsRelated }+&+ toParticipationinTitleIVPrograms c,',  !XekXX%XekTheU.S.SecretaryofEducationrecognizesaccreditationbythe I-(- CommissiononCollegesinestablishingtheeligibilityofhigher  educationinstitutionstoparticipateinprogramsauthorizedunder  TitleIVofthe1998$XekXX!XekHigherEducationAmendments!XekXX$Xekandother | federalprograms.Throughitscompliancewiththesefederal b regulations,theCommissionensuresthepublicthatitisareliable H authorityregardingthequalityofeducationprovidedbyitsmember . ~ institutions.!5X!Xek!5  d X XX XXX page9  J !XekXXX ThefederalstatuteincludesmandatesthattheCommissionreview  7 aninstitutioninaccordwithcriteriaoutlinedintheregulationsof    the$XekXX!XekAmendments!XekXX$XekdevelopedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEducation.    Aspartofthereviewprocess,institutionsarerequiredto   documentcompliancewiththosecriteriaandtheCommissionis   obligatedtoconsidercompliancewhentheinstitutionisreviewed e  forinitialmembershiporcontinuedaccreditation. K   !bKX!Xek bK!bKCOMPONENTSOFTHEPEERREVIEWPROCESS 1  TheInternalReview =   XekX bK!XekXX XekTheinstitutionwillprovidethreeseparatedocumentsaspartofitsinternal I review. / 1.$XekXX!XekExpandedAnnualInstitutionalProfiles e !XekXX$XekThetwoannualprofileswillbeexpandedtoincludecurrently K requestedinformationandaddressadditionalareassuchas 1 managementandgovernance,enrollmenttrends,financial  indicators,andprogramlocationanddelivery.  2. #XekXX!XekComplianceCertification   !XekXX#XekDuringtheeighthyearfollowinganinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsmostrecent y reaffirmation,theCommissionwillrequestthatitsubmita q completedcompliancecertificationbyaspecifieddate.The W certificationwillrepresenttheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsinternalanalysisofits = compliancewitheachCoreRequirementandComprehensive 5 Standard.Signaturesbytheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xschiefexecutiveofficerand  k accreditationliaisonwillberequiredtocertifycompliance.Ifan !c institutionconcludesitdoesnotmeetaspecificrequirement,itwill !I  stipulateitsreasonsfornoncomplianceandtheactionsnecessary "/! tomakesureitcomesintocompliance. #" 3. #XekXX!XekQualityEnhancementPlan $#  !XekXX#XekTheCommissionwillrequestsubmissionoftheQuality % $ EnhancementPlanatthebeginningofthetenthyear.Engaging w&!% thewideracademiccommunityandaddressingoneormore ]'"& issuesthatcontributetoinstitutionalimprovement,theplanshould C(#' befocused,succinct,andlimitedinlength(nomorethan_seventyfive_ ))y$( pagesofnarrativetextandnomorethantwentyfivepagesof *_%) supportdocumentationorcharts,graphs,andtables).!5X!Xek!5 *E&* X XX XXX page10 ++'+  @XX  bK@TheExternalReview ,(,   XekX bK!XekXX Xek1. #XekXX!XekTheOffSitePeerReview -$)-  !XekXX#XekAsmallcommitteeofindividualswillmeetatanoffsitelocationto  reviewtheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"XsComplianceCertificationandothersupport  documentationitprovides(i.e.,expandedInstitutionalProfiles,  financialauditreports,catalogs,andotherinformationprovidedby t theinstitution).Theteamwillfunctionasadvisorstotheonsite Z peerreviewcommitteebymakingobservationsaboutthe @  informationtheinstitutionprovidesandbydeterminingan & v institution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xscompliancewithstandards.  \ 2. #XekXX!XekTheOnSitePeerReview  T  !XekXX#XekFollowingreviewbytheoffsitepeerreviewcommittee,ateamof  :  peerswillconductafocusedonsitereview,thepurposeofwhich   willbetoverifytheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsstatementofitscompliancewiththe   CoreRequirementsandComprehensiveStandards,evaluate   actionsproposedand/ortakenregardingtheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xs   statementsofnoncompliance,evaluatetheacceptabilityofthe   QualityEnhancementPlan,andprovideconsultationregarding r  issuesaddressedintheplan.Attheconclusionofitsvisit,theonsite X peerreviewcommitteewillprepareawrittenreportofits > _findings"XXX!XekC!XekXX"Xnoting_Ԁareasof_noncompliance"XXX!XekC!XekXX"Xand_Ԁwillmakea $t recommendationtotheCommissiononCollegesregardingthe l institution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsaccreditationstatus.Thecommittee"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsreport,along R withtheinstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsresponsetoareasofnoncompliance,willbe J forwardedtotheCommissionforreviewandaction. B  !bKX!Xek bK!bKINSTITUTIONALRESPONSIBILITY ( FORREPORTINGSUBSTANTIVECHANGE 4   XekX bK!XekXX XekTheCommissiononCollegesaccreditstheentireinstitutionandits @ programsandservices,wherevertheyarelocatedorhowevertheyare & delivered.Accreditationisspecifictoaninstitution,isbasedonconditions   existingatthetimeofthemostrecentevaluation,andisnottransferable.  Whenanaccreditedinstitutionsignificantlymodifiesorexpandsitsscope,  orchangesthenatureofitsaffiliationoritsownership,asubstantive n  changereviewisrequired.TheCommissionisresponsibleforevaluating T! allsubstantivechangesthatoccurbetweenaninstitution"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xsdecennial :"  reviewstodeterminewhetherthechangehasaffectedthequalityofthe 2#! totalinstitutionandtoensurethepublicthatallaspectsoftheinstitution $h" continuetomeetdefinedstandards.!5X!Xek!5 $N # X XX XXX page11 %4!$ !XekXXX AmemberinstitutionisresponsibleforfollowingtheCommission"XXX!Xek=!XekXX"Xs &!"% substantivechangepolicyanditsproceduresbyinformingthe '#& Commissionofsuchchangesinaccordwiththoseprocedures,and,when (#' required,seekingapprovalpriortotheinitiationofthechange.Ifan )$( institutionfailstofollowtheprocedures,itstotalaccreditationmaybe {*%) placedinjeopardy.(See"XXX!Xek_A!XekXX"XGeneral_ԀSubstantiveChangePolicyfor a+&* AccreditedInstitutions"XXX!Xek@!XekXX"Xand"XXX!Xek_A!XekXX"XProcedure_ԀOne"XXX!Xek@!XekXX"Xand"XXX!Xek_A!XekXX"XProcedure_ԀTwo,"XXX!Xek@ Y,'+ !XekXX"Xoutliningthetypesofsubstantivechanges,theirrespectiveapprovaland Q-(, notificationrequirements,andtheirreporting_timelines_.)Ifaninstitutionis  unclearastowhetherachangeissubstantiveinnature,itshouldcontact  Commissionstaffforconsultation. | Anapplicantorcandidateinstitutionmaynotundergosubstantivechange b priortoactiononinitialmembership. H  !bKX!Xek bK!bKREPRESENTATIONOFSTATUS . ~   XekX bK!XekXX XekAninstitutionmustbeaccurateinreportingtothepublicitsstatusand :  relationshipwiththeCommission.Incatalogs,brochuresand  p advertisements,a #XekXX!Xekmemberinstitution !XekXX#Xekdescribesitsrelationshipwiththe  V Commissiononlyaccordingwiththefollowingstatement:  <  (Nameofinstitution)isaccreditedbytheCommissiononColleges  "  oftheSouthernAssociationofCollegesandSchoolstoaward   (namespecificdegreelevels).   A #XekXX!Xekcandidateinstitution !XekXX#XekdescribesitsrelationshipwiththeCommission   onlyaccordingtothefollowingstatement: j  (Nameofinstitution)isacandidateforaccreditationwiththe P  CommissiononCollegesoftheSouthernAssociationofColleges 6 andSchoolstoaward(namespecificdegreelevels). l Nostatementmaybemadeaboutthepossiblefutureaccreditationstatus R withtheCommissiononColleges.Normayaninstitutionusethelogoor 8 sealoftheSouthernAssociationinanyofitspublicationsordocuments.!5X!Xek!5  X XX XXX page12   AXX &A5_5SectionII.& &  &COREREQUIREMENTS 2  &.v % !&.v % %&.vForeveryCoreRequirementmandatingapolicyorprocedure,itisimplicitthat  thepolicyorprocedureisinwriting,approvedthroughappropriateinstitutional v processes,publishedinappropriateinstitutionaldocumentsaccessibletothose j affectedbythepolicyorprocedure,andimplementedandenforcedbythe ^ institution. R ForobtainingormaintainingaccreditationwiththeCommissiononColleges,an :  institutionmustmeetthefollowingCoreRequirements: .!~ @6#AAAA! @5[6#51.0 4 Theinstitutionhasdegreegrantingauthorityfromtheappropriate_____government_ g#  agencyoragencies.:$!4!4! @=l>% 1111!@5[>% 52.0 4 Theinstitutionhasagoverningboardofatleastfivemembersthatistheo% "4!4! 0 4 legalbodywithspecificauthorityovertheinstitution.Theboardisanactive c&!# policymakingbodyfortheinstitutionandisultimatelyresponsibleforensuring 6'"$ thatthefinancialresourcesoftheinstitutionareadequatetoprovideasound  (Y#% educationalprogram.Theboardisnotcontrolledbyaminorityofboardmembers (,$& orbyorganizationsorinterestsseparatefromit.Neitherthepresidingofficerof )$' theboardnorthemajorityofothervotingmembersoftheboardhavecontractual, *%( employment,orpersonalorfamilialfinancialinterestintheinstitution.Amilitary U+&) institutionauthorizedandoperatedbythefederalgovernmenttoawarddegrees (,x'* hasapublicboardinwhichneitherthepresidingofficernoramajorityofthe ,K(+ othermembersarecivilianemployeesofthemilitaryoractive/retiredmilitary.The -), boardhasbroadandsignificantinfluenceupontheinstitution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&isprogramsand 1 operations,playsanactiveroleinpolicymaking,andensuresthatthefinancial  resourcesoftheinstitutionareusedtoprovideasoundeducationalprogram.  Theboardisnotcontrolledbyaminorityofboardmembersorbyorganizations j orinterestsseparatefromtheboardexceptasspecifiedbytheauthorizing=4!4! 0 4 legislation.Neitherthepresidingofficeroftheboardnorthemajorityofother 1  votingboardmembershavecontractual,employment,orpersonalorfamilial  T financialinterestintheinstitution. '4!4! @n +1111!@5[ +53.0 4 Theinstitutionhasachiefexecutiveofficerwhoseprimaryresponsibility \4!4! 0 4 istotheinstitutionandwhoisnotthepresidingofficeroftheboard. P 4!4! @lT 1111!X@<_T <4.Theinstitutionhasaclearlydefinedandpublishedmissionstatement E  specifictotheinstitutionandappropriatetoaninstitutionofhigher 9  education,addressingteachingandlearningand,whereapplicable, -}  researchandpublicservice. !q  5.Theinstitutionengagesinongoing,integrated,andinstitutionwide e  researchbasedplanningandevaluationprocessesthatincorporatea  Y systematicreviewofprogramsandservicesthat(a)resultsincontinuing M improvementand(b)demonstratesthattheinstitutioniseffectively!5 %!&.v!5 A X XX XXX page13 5 &(%XX !&.v %%&(accomplishingitsmission. C 6.Theinstitutionisinoperationandhasstudentsenrolledindegree 7 programs. + 7.Theinstitution  a.offersoneormoredegreeprogramsbasedonatleast60  semestercredithoursortheequivalentattheassociatelevel;at  least120semestercredithoursortheequivalentatthe  baccalaureatelevel;oratleast30semestercredithoursorthe  equivalentatthepostbaccalaureate,graduate,orprofessional  level.Theinstitutionprovidesawrittenjustificationandrationale  forprogramequivalency. {  b.offersdegreeprogramsthatembodyacoherentcourseofstudy o! thatiscompatiblewithitsstatedpurposeandisbasedupon c" fieldsofstudyappropriatetohighereducation. W#  c.offersageneraleducationprogramatthecollegiatelevelthatis K$! (1)asubstantialcomponentofeachundergraduatedegree,(2) ?% " ensuresbreadthofknowledge,and(3)isbasedonacoherent 3&!# rationale.Fordegreecompletioninassociateprograms,the ''w"$ componentconstitutesaminimumof15semesterhoursorthe (k#% equivalent;forbaccalaureateprograms,aminimumof30 )_$& _semesterhoursortheequivalent.Thesecredithoursaretobe *S%' drawnfromandincludeatleastonecoursefromeachofthe *G&( followingareas:humanities/finearts;social/behavioralsciences; +;')  andnaturalscience/mathematics.Thecoursesdonotnarrowly ,/(* focusonthoseskills,techniques,andproceduresspecifictoa A  particularoccupationorprofession.Theinstitutionprovidesa 5 writtenjustificationandrationaleforcourseequivalency. ) d.makesarrangementsforsomeinstructiontobeprovidedby  otheraccreditedinstitutionsorentitiesthroughcontractsor  consortia,whereappropriate.Theinstitutionitself,however,   providesinstructionforallcourseworkrequiredforatleastone   degreeprogramateachlevelatwhichitawardsdegrees,or   providesanalternativeapproachtomeetingthisrequirement.   ThealternativeapproachisapprovedbytheCommissionon    Colleges.Inallcases,theinstitutiondemonstratesthatitcontrols y  allaspectsofitseducationalprogram. m  8.Thenumberoffulltimefacultymembersisadequatetosupportthe a  missionoftheinstitution.Theinstitutionhasadequatefacultyresources U  toensurethequalityandintegrityofitsacademicprograms.Inaddition, I  uponapplicationforcandidacy,anapplicantinstitutiondemonstratesthat = itmeetsthecomprehensivestandardforfacultyqualifications. 1 9.Theinstitution,throughownershiporformalarrangementsor!5 %!&.v!5 %u X XX XXX page14 i &(%XX !&.v %%&(agreements,providesandsupportsstudentandfacultyaccessanduser 'w privilegestoadequatelibrarycollectionsaswellastoother k learning/informationresourcesconsistentwiththedegreesoffered. _ Thesecollectionsandresourcesaresufficienttosupportallits S educational,research,andpublicserviceprograms. G 10.Theinstitutionprovidesstudentsupportprograms,services,and ; activitiesconsistentwithitsmissionthatpromotestudentlearningand / enhancethedevelopmentofitsstudents. # 11.Theinstitutionhasasoundfinancialbaseanddemonstratedfinancial  stability,andadequatephysicalresourcestosupportthemissionofthe   institutionandthescopeofitsprogramsandservices.Theinstitution   providesthefollowingfinancialstatements:(a)aninstitutionalaudit(as ! distinctfromasystemwideorstatewideaudit)andmanagementletterfor " themostrecentfiscalyearpreparedbyanindependentcertifiedpublic #  accountantoranappropriateauditingagencyemployingtheappropriate $! auditguide;(b)anannualbudgetthatisprecededbysoundplanning,is s% " subjecttosoundfiscalprocedures,andisapprovedbythegoverning g&!# board;and(c)anauditedstatementoffinancialpositionofunrestricted ['"$ netassets,exclusiveofplantassetsandplantrelateddebt,which O(#% representsthechangeinunrestrictednetassetsattributableto C)$& operationsforthemostrecentyear. 7*%' 12.TheinstitutionhasdevelopedanacceptableQualityEnhancementPlan ++{&( anddemonstratestheplanispartofanongoingplanningandevaluation ,o') process.!5 %!&.v!5 -c(* @bAAAAA!@X XX XXX page15   AXX &ASectionIII.& &  &COMPREHENSIVESTANDARDS   &.v % !&.v % %&.vForeveryComprehensiveStandardmandatingapolicyorprocedure,itis l implicitthatthepolicyorprocedureisinwriting,approvedthroughappropriate ? institutionalprocesses,publishedinappropriateinstitutionaldocuments  accessibletothoseaffectedbythepolicyorprocedure,andimplementedand   enforcedbytheinstitution. h  ForobtainingormaintainingaccreditationwiththeCommissiononColleges,an ;  institutionmustmeetthefollowingComprehensiveStandards:  ^  !bK %!&.v bK!bKINSTITUTIONALMISSION,GOVERNANCE,  1  ANDEFFECTIVENESS  =  InstitutionalMission I    &.v % bK!&.v % % &.v1.Theinstitutionhasaclearandcomprehensivemissionstatementthat U  guidesit;isapprovedbythegoverningboard;isperiodicallyreviewedby (  theboard;andiscommunicatedtotheinstitution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&isconstituencies.    !bK %!&.v bK!bKGovernanceandAdministration     &.v % bK!&.v % % &.v2.Thegoverningboardoftheinstitutionisresponsiblefortheselectionand  theevaluationofthechiefexecutiveofficer. m 3.Thelegalauthorityandoperatingcontroloftheinstitutionareclearly @ definedforthefollowingareaswithintheinstitution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&isgovernance c structure: F a.theinstitution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&ismission;  b.thefiscalstabilityoftheinstitution;  c.institutionalpolicy,includingpoliciesconcerningrelatedand  affiliatedcorporateentitiesandallauxiliaryservices; R d.relatedfoundations(athletic,research,etc.)andothercorporate %u entitieswhoseprimarypurposeistosupporttheinstitutionand/or H itsprograms.  4.Theboardhasapolicyaddressingconflictofinterest.  5.Thegoverningboardisfreefromundueinfluencefrompolitical, q religious,orotherexternalbodies,andprotectstheinstitutionfromsuch D influence.  g 6.Membersofthegoverningboardcanbedismissedonlyforcauseandby  :  dueprocess. ! ! 7.Thereisaclearandappropriatedistinction,inwritingandpractice,!5 %!&.v!5 "" X XX XXX page16 c## &(%XX !&.v %%&(betweenthepolicymakingfunctionsofthegoverningboardandthe P$$ responsibilityoftheadministrationandfacultytoadministerand #%s % implementpolicy. %F!& 8.Theinstitutionhasaclearlydefinedandpublishedorganizational &"' structurethatdelineatesresponsibilityfortheadministrationofpolicies. '"( 9.Theinstitutionhasqualifiedadministrativeandacademicofficerswith o(#) theexperience,competence,andcapacitytoleadtheinstitution. B)$* 10.Theinstitutiondefinesandpublishespoliciesregardingappointmentand *e%+ employmentoffacultyandstaff. *8&, 11.Theinstitutionevaluatestheeffectivenessofitsadministrators,including + '- thechiefexecutiveofficer,onaperiodicbasis. ,'. 12.Theinstitution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&ischiefexecutiveofficerhasultimateresponsibilityfor,and a-(/ exercisesappropriateadministrativeandfiscalcontrolover,the  institution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&isintercollegiateathleticsprogram.  13.Theinstitution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&ischiefexecutiveofficerhasultimatecontrolofthe f _institution"&i!% %!&.v=!&.v %!%"&isfundraisingactivities. I 14Aninstitutionrelatedfoundation,notcontrolledbytheinstitution,hasa ,| contractualorotherformalagreementthat(a)accuratelydescribesthe O relationshipbetweentheinstitutionandthefoundation,and(b)describes  " anyliabilityassociatedwiththatrelationship.Inallcases,theinstitution   ensuresthattherelationshipisconsistentwithitsmission. x  15.Theinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(spoliciesareclearconcerningownershipofmaterials, K   compensation,copyrightissues,andtheuseofrevenuederivedfromthe . ~  creationandproductionofallintellectualproperty.Thisappliesto Q  students,facultyandstaff. $   !bK %!&.v bK!bKInstitutionalEffectiveness     &.v % bK!&.v % % &.v16.Theinstitutionidentifiesexpectedoutcomesforitseducationalprograms   anditsadministrativeandeducationalsupportservices;assesses   whetheritachievestheseoutcomes;andprovidesevidenceof Y  improvementbasedonanalysisofthoseresults.!5 %!&.v!5 ,|  &(%!&.v %%&(*Includesalloncampus,offcampus,anddistancelearningprograms O  !XekX %!&.vX XX!Xekpage17 "  @XX  bK@PROGRAMS  EducationalPrograms   5 bK 5&(%'&.v %%&(StandardsforAllEducationalPrograms &(% %'&.v!&.v %%&(* ' 1.Theinstitutiondemonstratesthateacheducationalprogramforwhich  academiccreditisawardedis(a)isapprovedbythefacultyandthe } administration,and(b)establishesandevaluatesprogramandlearning P outcomes. #s 2.Theinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(scontinuingeducation,outreach,andserviceprograms F areconsistentwiththeinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(smission. ) 3.Theinstitutionpublishesadmissionspoliciesconsistentwithitsmission.   4.Theinstitutionhasadefinedandpublishedpolicyforevaluating,  awarding,andacceptingcreditfortransfer,experientiallearning, b advancedplacement,andprofessionalcertificatesthatisconsistentwith 5   itsmissionandensuresthatcourseworkandlearningoutcomesareat !X! thecollegiatelevelandcomparabletotheinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(sowndegree !+" programs.Theinstitutionassumesresponsibilityfortheacademic "# qualityofanycourseworkorcreditrecordedontheinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(s #$ transcript. t$% 5.Theinstitutionpublishesacademicpoliciesthatadheretoprinciplesof G% & goodeducationalpractice.Thesearedisseminatedtostudents,faculty, &j!' andotherinterestedpartiesthroughpublicationsthataccurately &="( representtheprogramsandservicesoftheinstitution. '#) 6.Theinstitutionemployssoundandacceptablepracticesfordetermining (#* theamountandlevelofcreditawardedforcourses,regardlessofformat f)$+ ormodeofdelivery. 9*%, 7.Theinstitutionensuresthequalityofeducationalprograms/courses  +\&- offeredthroughconsortiarelationshipsorcontractualagreements, +/'. ensuresongoingcompliancewiththecomprehensiverequirements,and ,(/ evaluatestheagreementagainstthepurposeoftheinstitution. -(0 8.Theinstitutionawardsacademiccreditforcourseworktakenona  noncreditbasisonlywhenthereisdocumentationthatthenoncredit  courseworkisequivalenttoadesignatedcreditexperience. V 9.Theinstitutionprovidesappropriateacademicsupportservices. )y 10.Theinstitutiondefinesandpublishesgeneraleducationandmajor L programrequirementsforallitsprograms.Theserequirementsconform  tocommonlyacceptedstandardsandpracticesforundergraduate   programsaswellasgraduateandpostbaccalaureateprofessional u  degreeprograms.!5 %!&.v!5 H  X XX XXX page18  k  &(%XX !&.v %%&(11.Theinstitutionprotectsthesecurity,confidentiality,andintegrityofits  X  studentacademicrecordsandmaintainsspecialsecuritymeasuresto  +  protectandbackupdata.   12.Theinstitutionplacesprimaryresponsibilityforthecontent,quality,and   effectivenessofitscurriculumwithitsfaculty. T  13.Foreachmajorinadegreeprogram,theinstitutionassignsresponsibility 'w  forprogramcoordination,aswellasforcurriculumdevelopmentand J  review,topersonsacademicallyqualifiedinthefield.Inthosedegree  programsforwhichtheinstitutiondoesnotidentifyamajor,this  requirementappliestoacurricularareaorconcentration. s 14.Theinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(suseoftechnologyenhancesstudentlearning,is F appropriateformeetingtheobjectivesofitsprograms,andensuresthat )y studentshaveaccesstoandtrainingintheuseoftechnology. L &(% %!&.v '&.v %%&(StandardsSpecifictoUndergraduatePrograms   &(% %'&.v!&.v %%&(15.Theinstitutionidentifiescompetencieswithinthegeneraleducationcore  andprovidesevidencethatgraduateshaveattainedthosecollegelevel u competencies. H 16.Theinstitutionawardsdegreesonlytothosestudentswhohaveearned k atleast25percentofthecredithoursrequiredforthedegreethrough > instructionofferedbythatinstitution.  &(% %!&.v '&.v %%&(StandardsSpecifictoGraduate  andPostBaccalaureateProfessionalPrograms g  &(% %'&.v!&.v %%&(17.Theinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(spostbaccalaureateprofessionaldegreeprograms,and :  itsmaster&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(sanddoctoraldegreeprogramsareprogressivelymore  m! advancedinacademiccontentthanundergraduateprograms. !P" 18.Theinstitutionensuresthatitsgraduateinstructionandresourcesfoster !## independentlearning,enablingthegraduatetocontributetoaprofession "$ orfieldofstudy. y#% 19.Themajorityofcreditstowardagraduateorapostbaccalaureate L$& professionaldegreeisearnedthroughtheinstitutionawardingthe %o ' degree.Inthecaseofgraduateandpostbaccalaureateprofessional %B!( degreeprogramsofferedthroughjoint,cooperative,orconsortia &") arrangements,thestudentearnsamajorityofcreditsfromthe '"* participatinginstitutions. k(#+  !bK %!&.v bK!bKFaculty >)$,   &.v % bK!&.v % % &.v20.Theinstitutionemployscompetentfacultymembersqualifiedto J*%- accomplishthemissionandgoalsoftheinstitution.Whendetermining +m&. acceptablequalificationsofitsfaculty,aninstitutiongivesprimary!5 %!&.v!5 +@'/ X XX XXX page19 ,(0 &(%XX !&.v %%&(considerationtothehighestearneddegreeinthedisciplineinaccord -)1 withtheguidelineslistedbelow.Theinstitutionalsoconsiders  competence,effectiveness,andcapacity,including,asappropriate,  undergraduateandgraduatedegrees,relatedworkexperiencesinthe V field,professionallicensureandcertifications,honorsandawards, )y continuousdocumentedexcellenceinteaching,orotherdemonstrated L competenciesandachievementsthatcontributetoeffectiveteaching  andstudentlearningoutcomes.Forallcases,theinstitutionis   responsibleforjustifyinganddocumentingthequalificationsofallits u  faculty. H  &(% %!&.v(&.v %%&(CredentialGuidelines:  k  a.Facultyteachinggeneraleducationcoursesattheundergraduate  >  level:adoctoraloramaster(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isdegreeintheteachingdisciplineor    amaster(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isdegreewithaconcentrationintheteachingdiscipline   (aminimumof18graduatesemesterhoursintheteaching   discipline). ^  b.Facultyteachingassociatedegreecoursesdesignedfortransfer 1  toabaccalaureatedegree:adoctoraloramaster(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isdegreein T  theteachingdisciplineoramaster(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isdegreewithaconcentration 9 intheteachingdiscipline(aminimumof18graduatesemester  hoursintheteachingdiscipline).  c.Facultyteachingassociatedegreecoursesnotdesignedfor t transfertothebaccalaureatedegree:abaccalaureatedegreein G theteachingdiscipline,oranassociatedegreeand j demonstratedcompetenciesintheteachingdiscipline. = d.Facultyteachingbaccalaureatedegreecourses:adoctoralora  master(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isdegreeintheteachingdisciplineoramaster(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isdegree  withaconcentrationintheteachingdiscipline(minimumof18 x graduatesemesterhoursintheteachingdiscipline).Atleast25 K percentofthedisciplinecoursehoursineachundergraduate n majoraretaughtbyfacultymembersholdingtheterminal A degree(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?B"&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&iusuallytheearneddoctorateinthediscipline.  e.Facultyteachinggraduateandpostbaccalaureatecoursework:  earneddoctorate/terminaldegreeintheteachingdisciplineora |  relateddiscipline. O ! f.Graduateteachingassistants:master(?)= %(&.v"?*=)=(?="&i!%*="?(&.v %!%"&isintheteachingdiscipline "!r" or18graduatesemesterhoursintheteachingdiscipline,direct "W# supervisionbyafacultymemberexperiencedintheteaching "*$ discipline,regularinservicetraining,andplannedandperiodic #% evaluations. $& &(% %(&.v!&.v %%&(21.Theinstitutionregularlyevaluatestheeffectivenessofeachfaculty S% ' memberinaccordwithpublishedcriteria,regardlessofcontractualor &&v!( tenuredstatus. &I") 22.Theinstitutionprovidesevidenceofongoingprofessionaldevelopment '#* offacultyasteachers,scholars,andpractitioners. (#+ 23.Theinstitutionensuresadequateproceduresforthesafeguardand r)$, protectionofacademicfreedom.!5 %!&.v!5 E*%- X XX XXX page20 +h&. &(%XX !&.v %%&(24.Theinstitutionpublishespoliciesontheresponsibilityandauthorityof ,U'/ facultyinacademicandgovernancematters. ,((0  !bK %!&.v bK!bKLibraryandOtherLearningResources -(1   &.v % bK!&.v % % &.v25.Theinstitutionprovidesfacilities,services,andotherlearning/information  resourcesthatareappropriatetosupportitsteaching,research,and  servicemission. V 26.Theinstitutionensuresthatusershaveaccesstoregularandtimely )y instructionintheuseofthelibraryandotherlearning/information L resources.  27.Theinstitutionprovidesasufficientnumberofqualifiedstaffwith   appropriateeducationorexperiencesbothinlibraryorother u  learning/informationresources&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(B&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(toaccomplishthemissionofthe H  institution. + {   !bK %!&.v bK!bKStudentAffairsandServices  N    &.v % bK!&.v % % &.v28.Theinstitutionpublishesaclearandappropriatestatementofstudent  Z  rightsandresponsibilitiesanddisseminatesthestatementtothecampus -  community.   29.Theinstitutionprotectsthesecurity,confidentiality,andintegrityofits   studentrecords. V  30.Theinstitutionprovidesservicessupportingitsmissionwithqualified )y  personneltoensurethequalityandeffectivenessofitsstudentaffairs L programs.!5 %!&.v!5  X XX XXX page21   @XX  bK@RESOURCES   5 bK 5&(%)&.v %%&(FinancialandPhysicalResources   &(% %)&.v!&.v %%&(1.Theinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(srecentfinancialhistorydemonstratesfinancialstability. n 2.Theinstitutionprovidesfinancialstatementsandrelateddocuments,including Q multiplemeasuresfordeterminingfinancialhealthasrequestedbytheCommission, $t whichaccuratelyandappropriatelyrepresentthetotaloperationoftheinstitution. G 3.Theinstitutionauditsfinancialaidprogramsasrequiredbyfederalandstate  regulations.  4.Theinstitutionexercisesappropriatecontroloverallitsfinancialandphysical p resources. C 5.Theinstitutionmaintainsfinancialcontroloverexternallyfundedorsponsored f researchandprograms. 9 6.Theinstitutiontakesreasonablestepstoprovideahealthy,safe,andsecure    environmentforallmembersofthecampuscommunity.  ! 7.Theinstitutionoperatesandmaintainsphysicalfacilities,bothonandoffcampus, b!" thatareadequatetoservetheneedsoftheinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(seducationalprograms, 5"# supportservices,andmissionrelatedactivities.!5 %!&.v!5 #h$ X XX XXX page22 #;%  sc XX   scSectionIV.FEDERALREQUIREMENTS $( &  &.v % !&.v % %&.vInadditiontotheCoreRequirementsandComprehensiveStandardsoutlined W&!' abovethathaveincorporatedsomeoftherequirementsmandatedbythe&(% %!&.v(&.v %%&(1998 *'z"( HigherEducationAmendments&(% %(&.v!&.v %%&(anditsattendingregulations,institutionsalso 'M#) areresponsibleforcomplyingwiththefollowingrequirementsthataremore ( $* specificallystatedinfederallaws.Compliancewillbeconsideredwhenthe )$+ institutionisreviewedforinitialmembershipandforcontinuedaccreditation. v*%, 1.Whenevaluatingsuccesswithrespecttostudentachievementinrelation I+&- totheinstitution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(smission,theinstitutionincludes,asappropriate, ,l'. considerationofcoursecompletion,statelicensingexaminations,and ,O(/ jobplacementrates. -")0 2.Theinstitutionmaintainsacurriculumthatisdirectlyrelatedand  appropriatetothepurposeandgoalsoftheinstitutionandthediplomas,  certificatesordegreesawarded. V 3.Theinstitutionmakesavailabletostudentsandthepubliccurrent )y academiccalendars,gradingpolicies,andrefundpolicies. L 4.Theinstitutiondemonstratesthatprogramlengthisappropriateforeach  ofthedegreesoffered.   5.Theinstitutionhasadequateproceduresforaddressingwrittenstudent u  complaintsandisresponsiblefordemonstratingthatitfollowsthose H  procedureswhenresolvingstudentcomplaints.(SeeCommissionpolicy  k  &(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(A&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(TheReviewofComplaintsInvolvingtheCommissionoritsAccredited  >  Institutions.&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(@&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&()  !  6.Recruitmentmaterialsandpresentationsaccuratelyrepresentthe   institution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(spracticesandpolicies.   7.Theinstitutionpublishesthenameofitsprimaryaccreditorandits j  addressandphonenumber.(Thepublicationofthisinformationis =  presentedsothatitisclearthatinquiriestotheCommissionshould `  relateonlytotheaccreditationstatusoftheinstitution,andnottogeneral 3 admissioninformation.)  8.Theinstitutionisincompliancewithitsprogramresponsibilitiesunder  TitleIVofthe&(% %!&.v(&.v %%&(1998HigherEducationAmendments&(% %(&.v!&.v %%&(.(Inreviewingthe \ institution&(% %!&.v"&i!%%&(=&(%!%"&i!&.v %%&(scompliancewiththeseprogramresponsibilities,the / CommissionreliesondocumentationforwardedtoitbytheSecretaryof b Education.)(&(% %!&.v(&.v %%&(AppliesonlytothoseinstitutionsreceivingTitleIVfunding.) 5 (5 %(&.v(5X XX XXX