FAQs
University Accreditation
The university received notice from our accrediting body that we did not meet one aspect of one standard required for accreditation. TSU submitted a fifth-year report covering twenty-five (25) required standards. The university is working expeditiously to correct part of that one particular standard that addresses additional documentation needed about how assessment results are used. This is not a standard that causes schools to lose accreditation. It is commonly flagged among universities, as in our case. We want to assure our students and all TSU stakeholders that this decision, though unfortunate, has no bearing on TSU’s solvency, academic programs, student progression, financial aid, or university operations. The university has every confidence that we will prepare and submit the required documentation required for this standard.
Q. What is SACSCOC Accreditation?
1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, assures that the institution has (1) a mission appropriate to higher education, (2) resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain its mission, (3) clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers, and that it is (4) successful in assessing its achievement of these objectives and demonstrating improvements. Accreditation by SACSCOC is a statement of the institution’s continuing commitment to integrity and its capacity to provide effective programs and services based on agreed-upon accreditation standards.
Q. Did Tennessee State University lose its accreditation?
2. No. We did not lose our accreditation, and we WILL NOT lose our accreditation.
Q. What is the current status of Tennessee State University SACSCOC Accreditation?
3. We were placed on probation, which means we are required to correct information that we submitted, as it pertains to only one aspect of one standard (There are twenty-five (25) standards). This is an administrative procedure and relates only to documentation.
Q. How does the probation status relate to any classes that I am taking now or will take in the future?
4. Tennessee State University being on probation with SACSCOC does not relate to any classes you are taking now or will take in the future.
Q. Will probation status impact my degree from TSU?
5. No. It will not impact your degree from TSU as a current student. It will not impact degrees the university has awarded in the past or impact your progression toward your degree.
Q. Will academic programs be impacted by SASCOC probation?
6. No. Academic programs are not impacted.
Q. Will my scholarship or financial aid be impacted by SASCOC probation?
7. No. Your scholarship or financial aid will not be impacted.
Q. How does SASCOC probation relate to the finances of the university?
8. The probation status does not relate to any university finances or anything related to funds.
Q. Are the University Operations affected by the SASCOC probation status?
9. No. It does not affect our university operations.
Q. How long will Tennessee State University be on SASCOC Probation?
10. The probationary period imposed is for one year.
Q. How will I know of the status and changes of the SASCOC probation status?
11. This FAQ page will be frequently updated to keep you abreast of any new developments and the status of our SACSCOC accreditation.