SUNO's accreditation reaffirmed

Southern University, New Orleans (SUNO) was officially informed that its accreditation was reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The announcement came during the closing ceremony at the SACSCOC annual meeting held in Orlando, Florida, December 6, 2011 confirming SUNO to be compliant with SACSCOC's Principles of Accreditation.

"This finding demonstrates SUNO's commitment to academic excellence and providing students with a high-quality education," said Victor Ukpolo, SUNO's chancellor. "SUNO and the entire Southern University System community are ecstatic about this accomplishment."

SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in Southern states and Latin America. Accreditation is a voluntary, independent review of an institution's educational programs and its adherence to accepted academic standards. It determines an institution's eligibility for participation in federal and other financial aid programs as well as the acceptance and transfer of college credits. Additionally, graduation from an accredited institution qualifies students for admission to graduate and professional schools.

"Satisfying all requirements for reaffirmation during a grueling three-year process, which includes the preparation of numerous reports covering every aspect of our operation and an on-site review by a team of reviewers appointed by SACSCOC, represents a testament to the perseverance and teamwork of our students, faculty, staff and administrators, many of whom are new to SUNO as of the past six years," added Ukpolo.

In addition to the compliance certification report, which demonstrated how SUNO met the core requirements, comprehensive standards, and Federal requirements of SACSCOC, the University was also required to submit a Quality Enhancement Plan. The plan outlines a long-term course of action for institutional improvement with special attention to student learning. SUNO's plan calls for an improvement in the technology available for online teaching and ensuring that students and faculty are competent in the use of technology applicable to online classes.

"As I recall assessing the devastation of our campus caused by Hurricane Katrina six years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that our institution would attain reaffirmation meeting all standards in light of the devastation, even though I knew that we were up to the challenge," said Ukpolo. 'Our stakeholders are overwhelmed with joy in celebrating this moment in SUNO's history."