This past December, the University of Georgia’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The process to be affirmed involves hundreds of pages of documentation and onsite interviews with faculty, staff and students, but what does accreditation actually mean for colleges and universities?

What is accreditation?

A college or university is accredited when it meets the standards of an accreditation agency approved by the US Department of Education. The University of Georgia met 72 of SACSCOC’s 72 standards, achieving the equivalent of a perfect score for the reaffirmation process.

In order to be reaffirmed, an institution must go through a three-step review process which includes an onsite audit of the university. Facilities, resources and services are reviewed to ensure UGA can meet the needs of students and ensure their success.

What is the importance of accreditation?

A SACSCOC accredited institution has faculty with appropriate credentials, has a continuous improvement plan for student learning, has appropriate library resources, and appropriate student support, among other standards.  It adds weight to the degree students are working towards and assures it is recognized by other institutions and employers.

Additionally, accreditation means UGA is eligible to receive federal and state funding to support the growing needs of students, faculty and staff. They are able to provide financial aid to students and accept transfer credits from other institutions as well.

What does this mean for me as a UGA student?

The reaffirmation means as a Georgia Bulldog, you can be confident you are getting a strong education. The resources available to you will set you apart in the workplace and prepare you to be successful in any future endeavors. The reaccreditation and Georgia name are things to be proud of!

If you want to learn more about UGA’s experience with the accreditation process, check out this article.