Perfect Sacs Review Outcome Made Official

Dec. 12, 2012

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - The University of North Alabama received official notification yesterday of its reaffirmation of accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The notification was presented at the commission's annual meeting. SACS conducted its on-site review for UNA in late February and early March, reporting no findings, recommendations or need for follow-up. Such a report is achieved by only about 2 percent of colleges and universities undergoing similar reviews. SACS is the regional accrediting body for degree-granting institutions in the southeast. Every SACS-accredited institution undergoes a review every 10 years. While yesterday's notification was expected following UNA's spring review, "it is nevertheless nice to bring closure to this formidable process," Dr. William G. Cale Jr., UNA president, said in a campus announcement today. The SACS review process included two major components: UNA's compliance with more than 80 academic and administrative standards, and its effective implementation of its Quality Enhancement Program (QEP). The QEP at UNA - titled "Building Success Through Discovery: Imagine, Investigate, Communicate" - focuses on academic research literacy. The program helps ensure students' strength in the reading, data collection, analysis and presentation skills required in any given discipline or career. Cale said a positive outcome from a SACS review is achieved only though the continuous maintenance of high standards over several years. "This is not something you can prepare for only a few months out," he said. "The review team thoroughly researches your institution's current level of quality and how it's been maintained and strengthened over an extended period. The fact that UNA came through this review with a perfect score should bolster the confidence and pride of this entire community."