ACCREDITATION

While the College’s standing in the community gives Rowan-Cabarrus credibility and respect, it is the accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) that ensures there is significance and value to the degrees the College awards.

In 2016, Rowan-Cabarrus was pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees of SACSCOC had reaffirmed the College’s accreditation through year 2026.

The reaffirmation was granted following off-site and on-site reviews of the College and its academic programs. The reviews focused on continuous improvement to educational quality, and the SACSCOC seal of approval demonstrates that Rowan-Cabarrus is committed to educational excellence and fiscal stability.

“This affirmation of reaccreditation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire College community,” said President Spalding. “We have a strong team who worked diligently throughout the lengthy review process.”

In 2015, Rowan-Cabarrus submitted documentation demonstrating the College’s evidence of the extent of its compliance with each of the core requirements, comprehensive standards and federal regulations reflected in the SACSCOC principles.

The College then hosted a committee of professional peers in September of 2015 to access the strengths and weaknesses of the institution. During the visit, committee members examined data and conducted interviews to evaluate the soundness of the College’s quality enhancement plan (QEP), a campus-wide initiative that focuses on improving student learning, knowledge, values or skills to enhance overall institutional quality and effectiveness.

The College designed the QEP to focus on career planning with the end goal of helping students complete their educational journey and prepare for their desired career field, a focus derived from a series of surveys taken by faculty, staff and students aimed at discovering the areas in most need.

“We know that students who come to Rowan-Cabarrus with a clear career goal in mind are more likely to complete their educational journey with us,” said Dr. Michael Quillen, vice president of academic programs at the College. “To help our students in navigating the resources and finding their career paths, the College has developed a Student Education Empowerment Kit (SEEK). This “travel guide” can lead and assist them in their career development, so they can make the most of their journey here at Rowan-Cabarrus!”

Rowan-Cabarrus has been accredited by SACSCOC since 1970. The previous reaffirmation of accreditation for the College was received in 2006. While the College has regular communication with the accrediting body and submits a report every five years, the next of which is due in 2021, a full-scale evaluation of accreditation occurs every ten years.

“The College’s Board of Trustees is delighted and not at all surprised that the College did well in its pursuit of reaffirmation of accreditation. We have great leadership, faculty and staff who make us proud every day,” said Carl M. Short, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees.

In addition to accreditation by SACSCOC, many of the College’s programs hold accreditations, approvals or licensures from specialized accrediting associations including welding, machining, nursing and dental assisting.