Prairie View A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has been since 1959. We offer quality degree programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels.
Accreditation is about continuous improvement of the university and its processes in order to support students in achieving excellence. During the course of our Reaffirmation of Accreditation, we have the chance to thoroughly evaluate our programs and services. Once reaccredited, not only will PVAMU continue to have degree-granting authority and access to federal financial aid and other programs, but it will also reap the benefits of continuous improvement to ensure fulfillment of the university’s mission and vision.
You can contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Prairie View A&M University.
Why do we need to be accredited?
In order to award degrees and certificates – and to be eligible to receive student financial aid and participate in other federal programs. It also confirms that courses and degrees will be recognized by other institutions and agencies across the country. Accreditation ensures the public that our institution maintains the principles of integrity and engages in a systematic process of ongoing improvement. Institutions in the U.S. must be accredited by one of six regional accrediting bodies. PVAMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Reaffirmation of Accreditation occurs every 10 years, and PVAMU was last reaccredited in 2010. This peer-review process involves a self-study and an off-site review, as well as an on-site visit.
What is SACSCOC?
SACSCOC is a regional accrediting body for institutions of higher education in 11 Southern states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia – and some international institutions. In addition to ensuring that each accredited institution operates with integrity and delivers quality programs to meet the needs of students, SACSCOC maintains a strong voice to influence legislation and regulations that impact member institutions. The Commission has a commitment to the peer review process, institutional integrity, quality enhancement, continuous improvement, and student learning.
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).
How often do we go through SACSCOC Accreditation?
Every ten years. Although courses are assessed every semester to collect pertinent data for the report. Although SACSCOC rolls around every 10 years it is actually an ongoing, continuous process.