GPC SACS REVIEW HOMEPAGE

GPC SACS REAFFIRMATION HOMEPAGE

Welcome to the Georgia Perimeter College SACS Reaffirmation Homepage. GPC is embarking once again on an exciting process in which each of us has the opportunity to become involved in a cooperative and unified study and plan of action for the institution. GPC was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) as DeKalb Community College. Our last reaffirmation of accreditation was in 2002, following an extensive two-year self-study. In 2004, the Commission on Colleges (COC) revised compliance guidelines and created the new set of criteria for a two-part evaluation process.

GPC is part of the SACS Reaffirmation Class of 2013. This means that we will be submitting our two reaffirmation documents in 2012 and hoping for an announcement of reaffirmation in June of 2013.

The Two-Part Evaluation Process

1. The Compliance Certification document which demonstrates the extent of our compliance with the key Principles of Accreditation set out by the SACS Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC). The Compliance Certification must be submitted approximately fifteen months in advance of an institution’s scheduled reaffirmation (ours is June 2013). It is a document completed by the institution that demonstrates the extent of its compliance with each of the Core Requirements and Comprehensive Standards. The Compliance Certification report replaces the old "Institutional Self-Study." While the Institutional Self-Study required widespread participation by faculty, staff and administrators across the institution, the Compliance Certification is designed to be completed by a small number of people who are "experts" in each area.

2. The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a new requirement. The QEP, when prepared, will describe a plan for a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses well-defined issues directly related to improving student learning. The development of the QEP will involve significant participation by the GPC faculty, staff, students, and the GPC community. The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) must be submitted four to six months in advance of the on-site review by the Commission.

From these two self-examinations come recommendations for future improvement or enhancements to policies, processes, programs, services, facilities, and personnel here at GPC. Please take time to learn about the reaffirmation of accreditation process and join us in this college wide effort to evaluate and improve our quality. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Barbara Brown (GPC SACS Accreditation Liaison).

Accrediting Standards

To gain or maintain accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges. The Commission on Colleges applies the requirements of its Principles to all applicant, candidate, and member institutions, regardless of type of institution (public, private for-profit, private not-for-profit).

The 2010 edition of the Principles, as approved by the membership in December 2009 and effective January 1, 2010, serves as the current version.