FAQS

What is SACS?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is an agency that is responsible for accreditation of colleges and elementary, middle, and secondary schools in the southern states. Gulf Coast State College has accreditation through the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

What is accreditation?
According to the COC, accreditation is intended to assure constituents and the public of the quality and integrity of higher education institutions and programs, and to help those institutions and programs improve.  These outcomes are achieved through rigorous internal and external review processes during which the institution is evaluated against a common set of standards.

What is the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)?
The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a plan that is designed by the institution seeking accreditation to address a topic or issue that is related to student learning. Each institution applying for accreditation or renewal of accreditation is required to develop a QEP. All faculty, staff, students, and community members have the opportunity to provide input in the development of a QEP through public forums and websites.

What is the Compliance Certification?
The compliance certification is a document that is completed by faculty and staff that demonstrates how the college is in compliance with the Core Requirements, Comprehensive Standards, and Federal Requirements. The COC has established standards that a college must meet in each area to receive continued accreditation. These requirements reflect the COC’s basic expectations of a member institution.

Where can I find the accreditation standards and policies of the Commission on Colleges?
For accreditation standards, please see www.sacscoc.org and click on Accrediting Standards; for policies click on Policies and Publications