NC State has begun preparations for reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). These preparations will culminate in an on-site visit in spring 2004 by a SACS committee consisting of representatives from peer institutions.

NC State is in the first class to be judged against newly revised criteria and an overhauled reaffirmation process, which SACS approved last December. The new approach requires two reports.

The first is a compliance certification, in which the university will document compliance with 73 requirements. The old process involved 460 criteria. This report will be submitted in August 2003 and reviewed off-site in fall 2003.

The second report is a “quality enhancement plan.” To renew its accreditation, the university must develop a plan to improve student learning and the learning environment in an area of its own choosing. NC State will develop a plan to improve Learning in a Technology-Rich Environment (LITRE). The LITRE plan will be submitted in January 2004 and reviewed by the on-site visiting committee in spring 2004.

NC State’s reaffirmation effort is coordinated by a leadership team consisting of Provost Stuart Cooper (chair), Chancellor Marye Anne Fox, Alton Banks (chemistry), Susan Nutter (NCSU Libraries) and Karen Helm (University Planning and Analysis and NC State’s accreditation liaison).

The compliance certification will be prepared by a team co-chaired by Will Kimler (history) and Helm. A subcommittee co-chaired by Jeff Scroggs (mathematics) and Ephraim Schechter (University Assessment Director) will prepare the compliance report on planning and assessment.

Dr. Hugh Devine (parks, recreation and tourism management) and Sharon Pitt (Learning Technology Service, DELTA) will lead a team to develop the LITRE plan. This team will actively solicit campus ideas for using technology to improve teaching and learning.

For more information, visit the Web site at www2.acs.ncsu.edu/UPA/
accreditation/index.htm for information and opportunities to participate. Questions may be directed to karen_helm@ncsu.edu or 515-6648.

Posted October 14, 2002

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