DUBLIN, N.C. – Bladen Community College is pleased to announce the successful reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The rigorous reaffirmation process ended with official notification of successful reaffirmation this summer. The process of initial accreditation and continued reaffirmation of accreditation requires a 10-year comprehensive and five-year interim review. Bladen Community College was last reaffirmed in 2013.
Dr. Amanda Lee, President of Bladen Community College, said: “This official announcement of accreditation renewal is further validation of the significant role Bladen Community College plays in fulfilling the mission of educating students, advancing knowledge, and developing future community leaders. It is very rewarding to successfully guide Bladen Community College through the rigorous process of its 10-year SACSCOC reaffirmation.
Dr. Lee added “The reason our college has received such an outstanding SACSCOC review is because our amazing faculty and staff care deeply about making our students’ lives better. It’s the driving force behind all of our recent success. The winners in all of this success are our students.”
SACSCOC is the accrediting body for degree-granting higher education institutions in 11 Southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies that the institution complies with the standards of the “Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement” and the policies and procedures of the Commission.
SACSCOC accreditation involves a comprehensive review of each institution’s policies, curricula, facilities and commitment to student growth and success. Administrators must compile evidence to demonstrate the college is complying with each SACSCOC standard and that it is committed to continuing to do so. The process also requires the creation of an institution-specific Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve student success. Bladen Community College created a QEP addressing and improving the student advising process.
In addition to a written report and supporting documentation, plus the development of a QEP, the reaffirmation process includes an on-site visit from regional academic professionals who review the college’s operations.
Bladen Community College’s on-site visit last August was an extraordinary success, with the visiting team giving the college high marks for its overall operations, commitment to student success, compliance to regulations, and dedication to continuous improvement in serving students and its community.
Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies that an institution meets standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students, has a purpose appropriate to higher education and has the resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish its purpose continuingly. Accreditation evaluates whether an institution maintains clearly specified educational objectives consistent with its mission and whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives. The Commission has been a leader in defining and implementing the concept of
“institutional effectiveness” in higher education and is known for having stringent requirements for membership.
Lisa DeVane, Bladen Community College faculty member who served on the campus committee that coordinated the extensive preparation process remarked, “The US Secretary of Education recognizes accreditation by the
SACSCOC in establishing the eligibility of higher education institutions to participate in federal funding. Accreditation allows us to receive federal funding and provide financial aid to our students. As an accredited institution, our degrees, diplomas and certificates are recognized for their value.”
For more information about Bladen Community College visit: www.bladencc.edu
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