The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional accrediting body for higher education institutions in the southern United States and Latin America. Texas Southern University is accredited by SACSCOC to award bachelor's, master's, professional, and doctoral degrees. Accreditation is reaffirmed every 10 years and is crucial for TSU's reputation and access to federal grants, including funding for student financial aid.
SACSCOC accreditation involves the development of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) which:
- (a) Identifies a topic through ongoing, comprehensive planning and evaluation processes.
- (b) Gains broad-based support from institutional constituencies.
- (c) Focuses on improving specific student learning outcomes and/or student success.
- (d) Commits resources to initiate, implement, and complete the QEP.
- (e) Includes a plan to assess the achievement of its goals.
SACSCOC defines the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) as a vital part of the reaffirmation of accreditation process. It stems from an institution’s continuous planning and evaluation processes. The QEP demonstrates a commitment to improving overall institutional quality and effectiveness by focusing on key issues that enhance student learning outcomes and success.
TSU's QEP is a multi-year initiative designed to enhance student learning and success. Titled "14 Plays in 45 Days: Addressing the Whole Student from Application to Graduation," this plan aims to provide comprehensive support in 14 critical areas, ensuring students thrive from the moment they apply to TSU until they graduate.
Let's delve into the 14 plays that form the foundation of our QEP:
- Play 1: Application and Admissions
- Play 2: Financial Aid
- Play 3: Advising and Registration
- Play 4: Institutional Technology
- Play 5: Academic Skill Development
- Play 6: Self-Administration
- Play 7: Self-Awareness
- Play 8: Motivation
- Play 9: Self-Actualization
- Play 10: Wellness
- Play 11: Faculty Engagement
- Play 12: Transition to Major
- Play 13: Campus Engagement
- Play 14: Residential Engagement
These plays are designed to provide targeted support in each area, ensuring a holistic approach to student success and development.