Meharry Medical College
SACS Reaffirmation of
Accreditation (2007)

The Process of Accreditation

The Commission evaluates an institution and makes accreditation decisions based on the following (The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement):

1. Compliance with the Principles of Accreditation defined as integrity and commitment to quality enhancement;
   
   
2. Compliance with the Core Requirements. An institution responds to each Core Requirement by either confirming compliance or explaining those situations for which there is non-compliance;
   
   
3. Compliance with Comprehensive Standards. The Comprehensive Standards set forth requirements in the following three areas: Institutional Mission, Governance and Effectiveness; Programs and Resources. Guidelines for commonly accepted standards of good practice within the larger community of the Commission’s membership and describe one method for documenting faculty competence. Guidelines are not comprehensive standards;
   
   
4. Compliance with additional Federal Regulations. The U.S. Secretary of Education recognizes accreditation by the Commission on Colleges in establishing the eligibility for Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments and other federal programs;
   
   
5. Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The Plan is part of an ongoing planning and evaluation process. Engaging the wider academic community, the QEP is based upon a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the effectiveness of the learning environment for supporting student learning and accomplishing the mission of the institution. It is used to outline a course of action for institutional improvement by addressing one or more issues that contribute to institutional quality, with special attention to student learning.