Decennial Review

SACSCOC

Every 10 years, a SACSCOC accredited institution must undergo a review to demonstrate compliance with the Principles of Accreditation. The review consists of:

• Compliance Certification
• Off-Site Peer Review
• Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)
• On-Site Visit
• Review/Approval by SACSCOC Board of Trustees

 

How the Institution Prepares for Reaffirmation

Compliance Certification

In order for our accreditation to be reaffirmed, UT Tyler is required to conduct a self-assessment to demonstrate compliance with the Commission on Colleges accreditation requirements.  The university must also be in compliance with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundation for Quality Enhancement. These standards reflect basic expectations that require a narrative statement with links to supporting evidence.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a document developed by the institution that (1) includes a process identifying key issues emerging from institutional assessment, (2) focuses on learning outcomes and/or the environment supporting student learning and accomplishing the mission of the institution, (3) demonstrates institutional capability for the initiation, implementation, and completion of the QEP, (4) includes broad-based involvement of institutional constituencies in the development and proposed implementation of the QEP, and (5) identifies goals and a plan to assess their achievement. The QEP is submitted six weeks before the decennial on-site reaffirmation review visit and the QEP Impact Report is included as part of the Fifth Year Interim Report.

 

Commission on Colleges Review Process

Off-Site Peer Review

Once the Compliance Certification is submitted, SACSCOC moderates an off-site review committee that consists of a chair and eight to 10 peer evaluators. The committee reviews the Compliance Certification to determine whether UT Tyler is compliant with all core requirements and standards. The committee will then issue a report of its preliminary findings on compliance.

On-Site Reaffirmation Review

The on-site reaffirmation committee consists of peers. Following the review by the off-site committee, the on-site committee will conduct a focused evaluation of the university to address any issues of compliance with core requirements and standards, examine the QEP and provide counsel regarding any issues with the QEP. After its visit, the on-site committee will issue a written report (Report of the Reaffirmation Committee) of its findings indicating any areas of noncompliance. The university submits written responses addressing areas of noncompliance.

Review by SACSCOC Board of Trustees

The executive council makes a recommendation to the board of trustees, which makes the final decision on reaffirmation. Decisions are announced during the annual Board Meeting each December.