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University reaccreditation Core requirements critical for reaffirmation by Cindy Abole Public Relations This is the fourth in a series of articles providing an overview of the purpose, process and content of the current accreditation reaffirmation of MUSC by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).    This article focuses on 14 of the 15 core requirements for SACS reaccreditation. The remaining core requirement deals with the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a developing plan so important that it will be presented in a separate The Catalyst article. What makes these 15 so special is that failure to achieve compliance on any one of the 15 represents failure to gain reaccreditation.    Subsequent articles will describe an additional 59 comprehensive standards that must be addressed: 15 related to institutional mission/governance effectiveness; 29 on institutional programs; seven on institutional resources; and eight covering federal requirements.   The following quote from the SACS “Principles and Philosophy of Accreditation” provides conditions for accreditation, and is the rationale for the extensive documentation initiative underway across campus between now and the September submission deadline for Core  Requirements/Comprehensive Standards as well as the February 2007 QEP deadline.   “As a condition of candidacy or membership in the Commission on Colleges, the institution agrees to document its compliance with the requirements of the “Principles of Accreditation;” to comply with commission requests, directives, decisions and policies; and to make complete, accurate and honest disclosure to the commission.”   The responses to these compliance requirements are being drafted by the SACS Core Requirement Committee, chaired by Sabra Slaughter, Ph.D.   Following is a brief overview of the core requirements less the QEP: Core Requirement 1: Degree Granting Authority—an institution must demonstrate that it is legally authorized to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees within appropriate legal boundaries. Documentation here includes enabling legislation, board bylaws, and any restrictions to authority. Core Requirement 2: Governing Board—must show that ultimate governance responsibility rests with an independent, qualified, fully empowered governing board. Documentation will include membership appointment process as well as evidence of board control, responsible corporate stewardship, and sufficient leadership participation. Core Requirement 3: Chief Executive Officer—the president has primary responsibility to the institution and is not the presiding officer of its board.  Documentation includes CEO position description, board bylaws, and relevant policy manuals. Core Requirement 4: Institutional Mission—there is a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the university as well as appropriate to an institution of higher education addressing learning, research, and public service. Documentation will include the mission statement and various dissemination vehicles/methods. Core Requirement 5: Institutional Effectiveness—the institution has an ongoing, integrated, and institutionwide, research-based planning and evaluation process that incorporates a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement and (b) demonstrates that it is effectively accomplishing its mission. Documentation includes plans, budgets, minutes, and specific actions taken as evidence that institutional effectiveness is linked to the mission. Core Requirement 6: Continuous Operations—the institution is in continuous operation with students enrolled in degree programs. Documentation would include list of degrees offered along with current enrollment statistics. Core Requirement 7.1: Academic Credit/Length—the institution uses generally accepted means in determining academic credit and length of time required for degrees. Documentation includes catalogue published requirements with credit hours required for each degree as well as evidence of internal/external curriculum review. Core Requirement 7.2: Program Content—the institutional degree programs are directly connected to the mission statement and based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. Documentation includes catalogues, program reviews (including compatibility with mission), comparative peer data, and legal mandates for curriculum guidelines. Core Requirement 7.3: General Education—this section is not applicable to MUSC as it deals with undergraduate level core curriculums. Core Requirement 7.4: Instruction Provision/Control—the institution provides instruction for all coursework required for at least one degree program at each level degrees are awarded as means of control, quality, integrity, and mission adherence. Documentation includes instruction coursework as well as any relevant consortia agreements and related control evidence. Core Requirement 8: Qualified/Sufficient Full-Time Faculty and Resources—adequate faculty numbers to support the mission as well as insure quality and integrity of academic programs. Documentation includes clearly defined faculty levels, required student ratios, and processes/procedures to determine required faculty numbers. Core Requirement 9: Learning Resources and Services—the institution ensures students and faculty access to appropriate library collections and other learning resources that support all levels and types of degrees offered. Documentation includes library collection policy procedures, collaborative agreements, oversight/administration, and relevance to all education, research, and public education programs. Core Requirement 10: Student Support—provides mission-consistent student support programs, services, and activities promoting learning and enhancing student development. Documentation includes programs/services descriptions, mission linkages, and evaluation of needs satisfied. Core Requirement 11—Financial and Physical Resources—the institution has sound financial base, demonstrated financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support mission and scope of programs and services. Documentation includes financial history, current financials, rating reviews, master plans, surveys, state budgets, etc. SACS Core Requirement Committee Dr. Sabra Slaughter, chair Dr. Jane (Jennie) Ariail James T. Begany Brianne Dunn Dr. Thomas B. Higerd Dr.  Marilyn King Velma G. Stamp Thomas D. Waldrep     Friday, May 12, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publication at 849-1778, ext. 201.