SACSCOC-accredited institutions are required to abide by all SACSCOC policies. Included below are selected policies that are of primary interest to various Winthrop constituencies. A short excerpt from each policy is included, with the entire policy available by clicking on the policy name.
“For SACSCOC purposes, dual enrollment refers to courses taught to high school students for which the students receive both high school credit and college credit, regardless of location or mode of delivery. This would include such coursework offered at the high school, on the institution’s campus, or via distance education. This also includes programs and courses that may be offered under different names, such as “early college,” “dual credit,” or “concurrent enrollment.” The academic rigor of such coursework matches the quality of other institutional coursework, regardless of location or mode of delivery. Institutions must ensure that their dual enrollment courses and programs comply with the Principles of Accreditation, specifically in the areas substantive change, faculty, curriculum and instruction, institutional effectiveness, library and learning resources, academic and student support services, admissions and transparency, and facilities.”
Institutional Obligations for Public Disclosure Policy
“A candidate or accredited SACSCOC institution is obligated to provide information to its students, constituents, and the public about itself that is complete, accurate, timely, accessible, clear, and sufficient.”
Quality and Integrity of Educational Credentials Policy
“SACSCOC has an obligation to ensure that educational pathways maintain or enhance the quality and ensure the integrity of educational credentials. Examples of pathways include combined programs (so called “two-plus-two” or “three-plus-two” arrangements), dual enrollment, consortia, cooperative academic arrangements, degree completion program arrangements, state-wide articulation agreements, credit for prior learning, and diploma and certificate credit conversions to degree credit.”
Substantive Change Policy and Procedures
“A substantive change is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Substantive change includes high-impact, high-risk changes and changes that can impact the quality of educational programs and services. This policy and procedures assure the public that all aspects of an institution continue to meet SACSCOC standards.”
SACSCOC is required by the federal government to monitor the compliance of its membership for substantive changes and to accept notifications and provide approvals, as applicable. Selective substantive changes relevant to Winthrop include the following actions. Please, see the entire policy for a comprehensive list of substantive changes.
Change in method of instructional delivery
Cooperative academic arrangements
Dual academic award
Joint academic award
Level change
New program
Program closure
Program length change
Off-campus instructional site
Faculty Credentials Guidelines
In support of Standard 6.2a (Faculty qualifications), this document provides credential guidelines for an institution which defines faculty qualification using faculty credentials.
