The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed Clemson University’s accreditation for another 10 years at its annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., on December 5. The SACSCOC’s mission is to ensure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions.
The decision followed the University’s submission of a compliance certification report in early fall 2022, a follow-up focused report in early spring 2023, and visits by a committee of academic experts from peer institutions to campus and several off-campus instructional sites in March and April of 2023. The reaffirmation review process culminated in a final SACSCOC report that contained no findings, recommendations, or third-party complaints or comments.
This achievement is a reflection of the quality of a Clemson degree, our culture and our core values. It demonstrates why Clemson University continues to be recognized as a national leader in academics, research, student experience, effectiveness and trustworthiness.”
Clemson University President Jim Clements
The reaffirmation is the result of the collective daily efforts of our faculty and staff who are providing a dynamic and effective learning environment for Clemson students, and setting us up to achieve our Clemson Elevate goal of creating the No. 1 student experience.”
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones
Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness Rob Essaf noted that more than 250 people across approximately 40 offices, units or facilities were involved in reaffirmation efforts by contributing evidence, writing narratives or participating in site visits.
Our ongoing accreditation is a testament to what I know is a genuine and heartfelt commitment to institutional integrity, academic excellence, operational effectiveness, continuous improvement and achieving the highest standards in post-secondary education.”
associate provost of Institutional Effectiveness jeremy king
CU-EXL Quality Enhancement Plan
A key aspect of SACSCOC’s 10-year reaffirmation process was the creation of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve student learning outcomes. Clemson’s new QEP, CU-ExL, is an incubator and launchpad for an enhanced experiential learning enterprise.
Moving forward, Institutional Effectiveness and the Office of Institutional Excellence will work with academic colleges to integrate and align their strategic plans and tactical initiatives with Clemson Elevate.
The University will undergo a mid-cycle five-year SACSCOC review in 2028 that will precede its next reaffirmation of accreditation in 2033.