Alabama A&M Accreditation Reaffirmed For Next 10 Years

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed the accreditation of Alabama A&M University (AAMU) at its annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 9, 2014. Reaffirmation indicates that the university complies with over 90 core requirements and comprehensive standards designed to assure that institutions meet acceptable standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society, the needs of students, and rigor and effectiveness of institutions.

The process is designed to enhance institutional effectiveness through self-assessment, self-improvement and peer review. Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies that the institution (1) has a mission appropriate to higher education, (2) has resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that mission, and (3) maintains clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers, and that indicate whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.

A critical component of the accreditation process is the conceptualization of a comprehensive Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) which is campus-wide in scope and focused on improving student learning and outcomes. During the accreditation process, the QEP submitted by AAMU received no recommendations for revisions. This is very commendable and speaks volume to the excellent work which the QEP Committee completed in formulating the plan.

The accomplishment of this goal of reaffirmation would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the AAMU Reaffirmation Committees. Appreciation is extended to the chairs and membership of each of the committees that addressed the more than 90 core requirements and comprehensive standards. A special thanks is extended to Dr. Virginia Caples, SACSCOC Liaison and Chair of the AAMU Reaffirmation, as well as Ms. Bonnie Banks and her committee that developed the QEP.

President Andrew Hugine, Jr. stated, “The reaffirmation of accreditation provides continuing evidence and documentation of the quality educational programs that AAMU offers students in preparing them to be competitive in the 21st century global economy and the outstanding work of the faculty and staff.”

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is accredited to award baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of AAMU.