FAQs

SACSCOC Accreditation


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TSU 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.   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.

1. What is SACSCOC Accreditation?

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern States.

Their mission is the enhancement of education quality throughout the region and the improvement of the effectiveness of institutions by ensuring they meet standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students.

2. Did Tennessee State University lose its accreditation?

Absolutely not.  WE DID NOT LOSE OUR ACCREDITATION , and we WILL NOT lose our accreditation. 

3. Is Tennessee State University about to close?

Absolutely not. We will be removed from probation as soon as we submit the additional required documentation, and the SACSCOC board meets again to review and accept the information.

4. What is the current status of Tennessee State University’s SACSCOC accreditation?

Tennessee State University remains fully accredited.  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.

5. What standard did TSU not meet?

TSU did not meet one part of the standard that requires us to show how the results of outcomes were used to make changes to the academic program.

6. Does this standard cause schools to lose accreditation?

This is not a standard that generally causes schools to lose accreditation. It is commonly flagged among universities, as in our case. 

7. How does the probation status relate to any classes that I am taking now or will take in the future?

Tennessee State University being on probation with SACSCOC does not relate to any classes you are taking now or will take in the future.

8. Will probation status impact my degree from TSU?

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.

9.  Will academic programs be impacted by SASCOC probation?

No. Academic programs are not impacted.

10.  Will my scholarship or financial aid be impacted by SASCOC probation?

No. Your scholarship or financial aid will not be impacted.

11.  How does SASCOC probation relate to the finances of the university?

The probation status does not relate to any university finances or anything related to funds.

12.  Are the University’s Operations affected by the SASCOC probation status?

No. It does not affect our university operations.

13.  How long will Tennessee State University be on SASCOC Probation?

The probationary period imposed is for one year. We have already begun preparing the additional documentation required to satisfy the standard. 

14. Can we get off probation early?

It is unlikely that we will get off probation early due to the timing of the SACSCOC board meetings. The board meets twice a year in December and in June. The reports for universities are due ninety (90) days before the meeting. That means the reports are due September 1 for the December board meeting and April 1 for the June board meeting. Since many faculty are out for the summer, the SACSCOC board did not require TSU to have their report in by September 1. Instead, TSU will submit the report by April 1, 2020.

15.  How will I know of the status and changes of the SASCOC probation status?

This FAQ page will be frequently updated to keep you abreast of any new developments and the status of our SACSCOC accreditation. President Glover will also provide communication to update the status.