SACSCOC Stamp of Accreditation

Samford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Samford University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Samford University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc. should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the SACSCOC office.

Academic Program Accreditation, Recognition and Approval

In addition to SACSCOC institutional accreditation, many of Samford’s academic programs have achieved specialized accreditation, recognition, or approval by one or more of the following professional organizations.

The Human Development and Family Science undergraduate program at Samford University has been reviewed by the National Council on Family Relations. It has been recognized as an NCFR CFLE-approved program offering coursework covering the content required for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation. Graduates of NCFR CFLE-approved programs qualify to apply for the CFLE designation via the CFLE-approved program process.

The following professional program will seek accreditation upon graduation of its first student cohort, as required by the respective accrediting organization:

The following professional program has been granted accreditation-provisional status:

The following professional program has applied for and received approval to be a candidate for certification: 

Samford University SACSCOC

Welcome to Samford University’s website for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Information and updates relative to the institution's reaffirmation process along with related documents will be provided on this website. Samford University is accredited by SACSCOC and was last reaffirmed in 2018.

Reaffirmation Components

Compliance Certification

The institution conducts a comprehensive compliance audit prior to the filing of the compliance certification. The comprehensive compliance audit includes an assessment of all programs and courses offered by the institution on-campus and off-campus, and those offered through distance learning. The compliance certification, signed by the institution’s chief executive officer and accreditation liaison, attests to the institution’s honest assessment of compliance with the accreditation requirements of the SACSCOC (including core requirements, comprehensive standards and federal requirements) as applied to all aspects of the institution.

Quality Enhancement Project 

The concept of quality enhancement is at the heart of the commission’s philosophy of accreditation. Each institution seeking reaffirmation of accreditation is required to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Engaging the wider academic community and addressing one or more issues that contribute to institutional improvement, the plan should be focused, succinct, and limited in length. The QEP describes a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue(s) related to enhancing student learning.

View Samford's QEP

Samford University Reaffirmation Frequently Asked Questions

What is SACSCOC?

SACSCOC refers to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which is the accrediting body for educational institutions within Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America. The Commission on Colleges is the division of SACSCOC that oversees accreditation of higher education within the region. Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Commission on Colleges, offers an alternate meaning for the SACS acronym that conveys the essence of higher education: Students Are Central to Success.

Why is SACSCOC accreditation important?

Accreditation by SACSCOC means an institution has: a mission appropriate to higher education; resources, programs and services sufficient to achieve and sustain that mission; clearly delineated student learning outcomes consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees offered; and success in achieving its stated goals. According to the Commission on Colleges, the “product of accreditation is a public statement of an institution's continuing capacity to provide effective programs and services based on agreed upon requirements. The statement of an institution’s accreditation status with the Commission on Colleges is also an affirmation of an institution’s continuing commitment to the commission’s principles and philosophy of accreditation” (Principles of Accreditation: Foundation for Quality Enhancement, 2024). SACSCOC accreditation and reaffirmation assures our constituents and the public of the quality and integrity of Samford University and its programs. It also allows Samford students to maintain eligibility for federal financial aid and ensures transfer of credits between Samford and other institutions.

What is reaffirmation of accreditation?

Every 10 years, colleges and university accredited by SACSCOC must demonstrate they comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation and with the resource manual of the Commission on Colleges. This process is called reaffirmation of accreditation. This two-to-three-year process of rigorous self-evaluation culminates in two stages of peer review conducted by senior level faculty and administrators at other institutions accredited by SACSCOC. In between these decennial reviews is a Fifth-Year Interim Report (FYIR) in which the institution evaluates its adherence to standards and the effectiveness of its QEP.

Who can answer my questions about SACSCOC?

For general questions or comments, please contact Dr. Marci Johns, Senior Associate Provost & SACSCOC Liasion, Online & Professional Studies at 205-726-4030.

Substantive Change

Substantive change is a federal term for any “significant modification of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is required by the federal government to monitor compliance with the substantive change policy and to approve any major changes. The complete list of substantive change and procedures for addressing them appropriately is provided in the Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions.

Samford University’s Responsibility is to:

  • notify SACSCOC of substantive changes in a timely manner, and
  • in many cases to seek SACSCOC approval up to six months before implementing the change.

The types of substantive change and the procedures for addressing them may be found in the Commission’s policy on substantive change. Samford University monitors the creation and significant modification of academic programs through its Academic Program Creation, Modification, Deactivation and Termination Policy (Academic Affairs 2.07). Administrators, faculty and staff interested in this process should consult the Samford's Policy Manual for a copy of this policy.

A Substantive change is “a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” Reporting substantive changes in a timely manner ensures compliance with federal regulations, federally funded financial aid, and with Comprehensive Standard 14.2.

SACSCOC has established several levels and respective institutional actions. These include:

The types of substantive change and the procedures for addressing them may be found in the Commission’s policy on substantive change.

Substantive changes occur at different levels of the university. If a department, school, or college is considering one or more of the following changes at the Program/Course Level:

  1. Adding coursework or programs at a different degree or credential level than currently approved;
  2. Adding courses or programs that represent a significant departure from current practice, either in content or method of delivery (such as distance learning);
  3. Initiating certificate programs at new off-campus sites or which differ significantly from existing programs;
  4. Initiating a collaborative academic arrangement, such as a joint or dual degree program with another institution;
  5. Increasing the length of a program significantly;
  6. Initiating degree completion programs;
  7. Closing a program approved at an off-campus site, branch campus, or institution;

then the University must notify SACSCOC or obtain approval before the change can be implemented.

If a department, school, or college is considering one or more of the following changes at the School/College/Department Level:

  1. Initiating an off-campus site (including Early College High School programs offered at a high school);
  2. Expanding program offerings at previously approved off-campus sites;
  3. Initiating distance learning;
  4. Initiating programs or courses offered through contractual agreement or consortium;
  5. Entering into a contract with an entity not certified to participate in USDOE Title IV programs;

then the University must notify SACSCOC or obtain approval before the change can be implemented.

Finally, if the University is considering one or more of the following Institutional Level changes:

  1. Initiating a branch campus;
  2. Altering significantly the educational mission of the institution;
  3. Initiating a merger/consolidation with another institution;
  4. Changing governance, ownership, control, or legal status of an institution;
  5. Relocating a main or branch campus;
  6. Moving an off-campus instructional site (serving the same geographical area);
  7. Changing from clock hours to credit hours;
  8. Acquiring any program or site from another institution;
  9. Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out for students from another institution that is closing;

then the University must notify SACSCOC or obtain approval before the change can be implemented.

Please contact the University’s SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison, Dr. Marci Johns, for more information and for procedures to follow to obtain the necessary approvals prior to implementation of the proposed action. The Accreditation Liaison will contact the vice presidents and deans periodically about any planned actions that will qualify as substantive changes.

To determine whether a planned change constitutes a substantive change, please take the Substantive Change Survey. Your results are submitted via email to the Accreditation Liaison.