William Peace University receives reaffirmation of SACSCOC accreditation
In a momentous achievement, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed William Peace University’s accreditation in June 2022.
The accreditation body for higher education institutions across the Southern states, SACSCOC reaffirms accreditation every 10 years after a thorough review of the institution. Over seventy rigorous standards had to be met to receive the reaffirmation, along with hosting a successful virtual visit, due to COVID-19.
This reaffirmation process started two years ago: gathering information from every office and department on campus, prepping for both a virtual and on-site visit, compiling a 300-page report — all while a global pandemic occurred and the faculty completely redesigned the curriculum.
Campus-wide collaboration and courage were required to reach this incredible achievement.
The reaffirmation showcases WPU’s commitment to high-quality education, integrity and student success. WPU was first accredited by SACSCOC in 1947 and has maintained accreditation since.
“I’m incredibly proud that WPU received such a successful evaluation,” said SACSCOC Liaison and WPU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Carolyn Blattner. “Every office and department were tapped into in some way to make this happen.”
In a rare accomplishment, WPU had no follow-up items associated with the reaffirmation.
Additionally, the SACSCOC review team (composed of peer evaluators from other colleges and universities) expressed excitement for WPU’s Quality Enhancement Plan: Building Tangible Immersive Learning Experiences (TILEs) five year-initiative. This initiative seeks to increase students’ creative problem-solving and collaboration abilities by increasing the number of high-impact practices students experience within their learning environments. Building TILEs incorporates immersive learning into courses in every major across the curriculum.
While Blattner led the reaffirmation process, she explained it took the faculty and staff across campus coming together to achieve this.
“This accomplishment recognizes the work of WPU’s faculty and staff,” Blattner said. “It reflects the quality of the educational experience that WPU offers and shows the courageous work faculty and staff have done and are continuing to do.”
Blattner first started working at WPU in 2016. Passionate about WPU, she has gone above and beyond to improve the lives of Pacers. She was awarded the Bingham Award for Campus Excellence in 2019.
She loves working at a small school where she can have a hand in supporting student success.
“I could not be more proud of the WPU community and Carolyn Blattner’s leadership of this important and challenging process,” said WPU President Dr. Brian C. Ralph when reflecting on this amazing accomplishment.
About SACSCOC
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.
William Peace University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of William Peace University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).