This spring, the Commission opened a department dedicated to recruitment, the development of new pathways to membership, and streamlining services for potential new members. The Office of New Member Services, headed by Senior Vice President Dr. Patricia L. Donat, is charged with growing the Commission’s membership in the United States and abroad. The office is […]

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has published the first draft of its revised Principles of Accreditation: The Standards for Accreditation and Reaffirmation and is inviting member institutions, higher education stakeholders, and the public to submit feedback during an open comment period. The draft was prepared by the SACSCOC Principles […]

DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) proudly congratulates Dr. Sandra Jordan, chief of staff and vice president, on receiving the NCAA Meritorious Service Award. Presented on March 28 by the Peach Belt Conference, the award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and service to intercollegiate athletics. […]

DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has launched a major initiative to strengthen how colleges and universities prepare students for the evolving workforce, made possible through a grant from the Lumina Foundation. The two-year initiative will bring together institutions across the SACSCOC membership – including community colleges, […]

A Note from SACSCOC President Stephen L. Pruitt Higher education is at an important moment of reflection and innovation. Institutions across our membership are exploring new ways to ensure that students can access high-quality degrees that are both meaningful and attainable. Rising costs, evolving workforce needs, and changing student pathways are prompting institutions to rethink […]

DECATUR, Ga. – The Executive Council of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has approved a new policy establishing a framework for reduced-credit hour bachelor’s degree programs, giving SACSCOC member institutions the ability to create a more direct and efficient path for students to complete bachelor’s degrees in high need […]

DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has approved several new certificate and degree programs designed to strengthen workforce pathways and provide students with credentials aligned to labor market needs. The approvals come as national attention grows around workforce-focused credentials and the anticipated implementation of Workforce Pell initiatives. […]

DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has been awarded a $239,120 grant from the Lumina Foundation to support a multi-year initiative focused on strengthening the alignment between higher education programs and regional workforce needs across the accreditor’s membership. The grant will support the development of a data-driven […]

DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is pleased to announce the election of Roslyn Clark Artis, J.D., Ed.D., President and CEO of Benedict College, as Vice Chair of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees, effective December 9, 2025. Artis was affirmed by her peers at the Commission’s Annual […]

January 13, 2026 DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is pleased to announce the election of David L. Barnett, Ph.D., President of Brenau University, as Chair of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees, effective December 9, 2025. Barnett was affirmed by his peers at the Commission’s Annual Meeting […]