 
 
 
|
 |
 |
|
        |
 |
Questions & Answers for Faculty and Students
- What is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)?
SACS is one of six regional accrediting associations in the Nation. This body ensures that each of its member institutions adheres to standards and acceptable practices in higher education. Benedict College is accredited by this Association.
- Why is Benedict's accreditation being reaffirmed at this time?
Reaffirmation is granted on a ten-year cycle. The College was reaffirmed in 1991; hence, 2001 represents the next reaffirmation cycle. All Colleges and Universities in the association are required to undergo this process.
- Why is reaffirmation of accreditation important?
First, reaffirmation is important to everyone associated with the College, including students. It means that the Reaffirmation Committee of educators have determined that the College in general, and the educational program specifically, meet the standards necessary for offering quality educational and support programs. It confirms that the degrees earned by students at this College are recognized for their quality in the educational and business communities. Additionally, students are prepared for admission to graduate and professional schools and acquire jobs in discipline related fields.
Second, reaffirmation allows the College to participate in the federally-funded financial aid programs. This source of revenue is essential for students and the College.
Third, reaffirmation gives prestige to the College and engenders a sense of pride among the College constituency.
- What is the expectation of the College regarding reaffirmation?
The College is confident that its accreditation will be reaffirmed.
- What will the Reaffirmation Committee do?
The College has prepared and mailed to the thirteen-member Reaffirmation Visiting Committee a Self-Study Report which has delineated in detail the status of the following major areas:
- Principles and Philosophy of Accreditation
- Institutional Purpose
- Institutional Effectiveness
- Educational Program
- Faculty
- Educational Support Services
- Student Development Services
- Intercollegiate Athletics
- Organization, Administration and Corporate
- Entities
- Financial Resources
- Physical Resources
Reaffirmation Visiting Committee members will read the Self-Study Report and validate its contents once they arrive on the campus. This process may include interviews with students. The College has to document the effectiveness of its programs, services, and activities. The Reaffirmation Committee will determine the extent to which the College is delivering these programs and services.
- How does the Reaffirmation Committee determine how well the College is operating?
The Reaffirmation Visiting Committee is guided by a Criteria book which contains the standards that SACS has in place for its member institutions. The committee will only make judgments on the criteria listed in this book.
- What should faculty, staff and students expect?
Some faculty, staff, and students will be interviewed by the committee on matters ranging from the educational program, library, residential life, athletics, counseling, advising, financial aid, student accounts, and other issues.
Other students will serve as campus guides and will assist the committee with routine matters as requested.
- What is the best approach for answering questions from the committee?
Students, faculty, and staff should be honest in their discussions with committee members. However, the positive response approach is considered a good model in these types of situations.
- Should students do anything special to prepare for the visit on March 4-7, 2001?
No, students are expected to pursue their daily schedules as usual during the visit. Students should however be familiar with the fact that the College has a mission, and that catalogues, and student handbooks have been distibuted.
- To whom should student direct questions?
Questions may be addressed to department chairs, deans, advisors, directors, and vice presidents. Students, faculty, and staff may call the Self-Study hotline at 253-5276.
|
|
|
|
|
