Well, we got through SACSCOC Section 6 in the “Permissive or Proscriptive” series and then we got Dr. Pruitt’s First 100 Day Plan presentation and it does not seem to be worth the time to continue the series. This is probably a good thing. To quote one of my favorite songs, “We can all use a little change.” So where are things going? Beats me, I have no crystal ball.
On one hand, we have the very new and university-focused Council on Public Higher Education (CPHE). This is the one formed by a number of university system partners including Florida, both Carolinas I believe, the Texas A&M System, and probably a few others. I recently reviewed their business plan and their draft standards and submitted commentary on both to CPHE. Generally I liked the direction they were going with the standards, but I also observed several problem areas for which I suggested remedies. There are also some parts of the business plan that left me scratching my head in wonder, as in wondering how it could ever work. Overall, I think they are on to something and I hope they were serious about listening to the comments they received from beyond the interested university systems. There is a wealth of knowledge about accreditation at institutions, but there is something to be said for the perspective of somebody like me who has, just this year, been part of three reaffirmations, four Fifth-year Interim Reports, one initial accreditation, and multiple other projects to strengthen institutional processes.
On the other hand, we have an ambitious plan to revitalize SACSCOC through a robust examination of the principles, a Principles Review Committee with almost no limits, and a new President who appears to be dedicated to the service of the institutions SACSCOC serves (and more importantly the students at those institutions). Many things have been said about SACSCOC recently, regarding rigor, the number of standards, the types of standards, what is in the standards, etc. However, remember that it is a Principles Review Committee made up of people from member institutions that write and revise the Principles of Accreditation, and that the entire membership votes to approve said Principles of Accreditation. I include myself in this next statement. For the most part, we did this to ourselves. I look forward to seeing the direction SACSCOC takes and to contributing via the surveys or other instruments Dr. Pruitt indicated would be open to the general public, rather than being limited to member institutions.
The only sure thing in all of this is that the accreditation landscape in the south will look very different a year or two from now. I am sure that all of you are watching carefully. Know that I am too. Southeastern Accreditation Consultants is always interested in supporting institutions in their accreditation journey. We bring best practices, proven strategies, and experienced process review to the table. We offer individualized services to best meet your needs during the adventure to come. Contact us to get started.