EFSC took a major step toward the reaffirmation of its accreditation with a highly positive report that found the college in full compliance with all institutional standards , setting the stage for formal reaccreditation approval in 2024 .
• The report came from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) following an on-site peer review team visit in October .
• The team visited EFSC campuses and off-campus instructional sites , reviewed the College ’ s Report on Compliance and interviewed faculty , staff , and administrators
• Its findings acknowledged EFSC ’ s sound practices after examining 14 key principles and about 70 standards that institutions must meet to be reaffirmed .
• “ This is the best possible outcome we could have received and reflects the outstanding work that our faculty and staff did for two years to prepare for the on-site visit ,” said Dr . Jim Richey .
• “ It shows our dedication every day to providing students with an excellent education . I ’ m extremely proud of everyone involved . We really hit it out of the park .”
• The exemplary report is now lodged with the SACSCOC Board of Trustees , which is expected to approve EFSC ’ s 10-year reaccreditation in June 2024 .
• “ The gold standard for colleges and universities is to receive full accreditation without any required follow up by SACSCOC over the course of the next 10 years . EFSC has now achieved that standard , which is a true testament to our commitment to excellence in all functions , facets , and systems of the college ,” said Dr . Randall Fletcher , Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs .
• “ Accreditation provides students assurance they are receiving a quality education and gaining recognition from other colleges and employers of the course credits and degrees they have earned ,” said Fletcher , who is leading the reaccreditation effort .
• For state colleges like EFSC , reaccreditation occurs once every 10 years and is done in higher education to make certain that colleges adhere to the highest academic and institutional standards .
• A central part of EFSC ’ s reaccreditation is the Quality Enhancement Plan that centers on ways to improve student success in online learning .
• Named “ Rocket to Success : Taking Online Learning to New Heights ,” the plan ’ s key elements include improving online learning through an emphasis on faculty professional development , quality online instruction , and strong student services support .
• “ The institution is to be applauded for developing a plan to improve the quality of online instruction ,” the on-site team stated in its report .
• They added the plan has broad support among faculty and staff and noted the college has committed $ 1 million to achieve the goals .
• Their report also found the college operated with integrity , fulfilled its mission , has a solid administration and organization , proper number of faculty , and effective processes that focus on student success .
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