51 Institutional Accreditation

Approved by Board of Trustees
Effective Date: December 5, 2024

Responsible Division: Academic Affairs
Responsible Office:  Provost
Responsible Officer: Vice Provost for Planning and Effectiveness

I. Purpose

This policy is established to ensure compliance with institutional accreditation policy requirements as specified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-185. It identifies the accreditation agencies or associations that may serve as an accreditor for Middle Tennessee State University.

II. Definitions

Institutional accrediting agencies or associations refer to the list of institutional accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education (“USDOE”).

1. Available Accreditors
   
   Middle Tennessee State University may choose an institutional accreditor from the following list of USDOE-recognized accrediting bodies.
   1. Higher Learning Commission (HLC);
   2. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE);
   3. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE);
   4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU);
   5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); and
   6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

III. Changing Institutional Accreditor

Middle Tennessee State University may choose to change its institutional accreditor. The proposed change will be initiated by a recommendation from the President of the University, with approval required by a majority vote of the full body of the Board of Trustees. 

IV.  Policy Review

The Board of Trustees shall review this policy once every three years to adapt to any changes made by the United States Department of Education or the United States Congress.

Forms:  none

Revisions: December 5, 2024

Last Reviewed: December 2024

References: T.C.A. §§ 49-8-203; 49-7-185.