Florida Gulf Coast University received unconditional reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and will not face another comprehensive review for 10 years.
“This is a tremendous outcome that validates the exceptional quality of FGCU’s programs and services,” said President Wilson G. Bradshaw. “We had the opportunity to meet with the on-site review team at the conclusion of its visit, and the team members were effusive in their praise of Florida Gulf Coast University’s personnel, programs, services, finances and facilities.”
The commission examines factors such as institutional governance and effectiveness, qualifications of faculty and staff, mission fulfillment, curriculum, academic support and fiscal practices. The university satisfied all 95 standards and requirements.
“We are very proud that FGCU was among a small group of colleges and universities to complete its on-site review without any compliance issues,” Bradshaw said.
To celebrate the reaffirmation of accreditation, a reception has been planned for 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29 in the Sugden Hall ballroom. Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP to Mackenzie Friedman at [email protected].
The outcome ensures the university’s eligibility for Federal Title 4 Student Financial Aid Programs and validates its integrity as an institution achieving clear educational objectives. FGCU was first accredited in 1999 and was last reaffirmed in 2005. The latest reaffirmation process started three years ago and involved hundreds of staff members preparing compliance certification, developing a Quality Enhancement Plan and off-site and on-site reviews by SACSCOC.
Accreditation involves comprehensive external evaluation and is an important factor in establishing and maintaining a university’s reputation as well as documenting the strength of its educational programs and compliance with governing agencies, says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ron Toll. He credits SACSCOC’s unconditional approval to the university’s commitment to continuous self-review and to faculty and staff efforts to “not clear the bar, but set the bar” for reaffirmation.
“We take constant improvement and continuous assessment very, very seriously here,” Toll said. “The target moves constantly. The regulatory agencies want to see that you are constantly monitoring and adjusting in order to achieve maximal attainable goals for that moment in time. I think we are in an excellent place to continue doing that.”