NSU Receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools  

 

Norfolk, Va.—The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) announced today its reaffirmation of accreditation for Norfolk State University. The reaffirmation continues NSU’s accreditation through 2018.  Accreditation by the Commission on Colleges indicates that Norfolk State supports a mission appropriate to higher education, demonstrates that its resources, programs and services accomplish this mission, and maintains clearly specified educational outcomes that are consistent with its mission.  

“NSU is an exciting, dynamic learning institution that takes great pride in providing, relevant, high-quality learning experiences and activities consistent with the traditions that distinguish Norfolk State University,” said President Carolyn W. Meyers. “Reaffirmation of NSU’s accreditation by SACS validates the high-quality of our academic programs as well as the positive impacts of our learning-focused, co- and extra- curricular efforts, both of which assure our effectiveness.”   

Reaffirmation of accreditation follows an extensive period of formal preparation. This included completing a Compliance Certification Report, developing a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that describes a course of action to improve student learning, and completion of rigorous evaluations by off-site and on-site teams of peer reviewers from regionally-accredited institutions representing the Commission.

NSU’s QEP, Creating Coherent Pathways to Develop Critical Thinking in Students, was developed from broad-based, active involvement of faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators and community representatives since fall 2005 to study critical issues related to enhancing student learning.  NSU’s QEP focuses on the enhancement of higher-order reasoning skills by embedding critical thinking pedagogies and assessment strategies across the general education curriculum.  Additionally, the QEP will enhance educationally-enriching co-curricular activities to reinforce student achievement of critical thinking outcomes. 

“Sustaining the reaffirmation of accreditation from SACS remains everyone’s business,” said Meyers.  “NSU’s talented and committed reaffirmation leadership team in addition to the associated sub-committees enabled NSU’s exemplary planning and subsequent successful institution-wide review.  Sincere thanks and recognition are extended to our faculty, staff, and students for their time and efforts.”

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033; 404-679-4500) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. Norfolk State University is accredited by SACS to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees.

The Commission’s mission is (1) the enhancement of educational quality throughout the region and (2) the improvement of the effectiveness of institutions by ensuring that they meet standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students.

To learn more about the NSU reaffirmation of accreditation process, visit http://www.nsu.edu/iea/index.php or call 823-8408.