OLD DOMINION ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMED BY SACS

Old Dominion University recently received confirmation of its 10-year reaccreditation from the Commission on College of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The reaffirmation review conducted between December 2001 and February 2002 covered the main campus and all extended sites and programs. Old Dominion's next reaffirmation of accreditation review will take place in 2012.

"Reaccreditation is a significant part of a university's history," said President Roseann Runte. "I am proud of Old Dominion's results and the reaffirmation of our strong academic standing. I am even more proud of the fine team work by so many members of the faculty and staff. The leadership of Dr. John P. Broderick and Dr. David Hager in drafting the self-study was certainly exemplary."

SACS is the recognized regional accrediting body in the U.S. southern states and Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Among the SACS Reaffirmation Committee commendations were statements about the university's distance learning program, TELETECHNET, for "it's exemplary support services, coordination of programs, and dedication to providing the quality experience for distance learning students."

"Commendations are rare in the accreditation process," said President Runte. "The fact that Old Dominion's distance learning program was cited for its quality along with our student services area is particularly rewarding for the staff and faculty who have put so much effort into developing these programs."

The committee also commended Old Dominion "for its efforts to ensure institutional effectiveness by using exemplary practices and its engagement of the planning process and assessment in the Division of Student Services."

As part of the reaccreditation process, David R. Hager, vice provost, directed the self-study process and John P. Broderick, professor of English and applied linguistics led a 24-member steering committee that implemented the university's self-study. Approximately 250 faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the Board of Visitors were appointed to 16 committees to evaluate Old Dominion's compliance with the SACS criteria for accreditation." Old Dominion was originally accredited in 1961.