Colleagues,
WKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which evaluates institutions that grant higher education credentials to ensure quality and effectiveness. SACSCOC accreditation affirms that WKU operates with a mission appropriate to higher education; provides the necessary resources, programs and services to fulfill that mission; and maintains clear educational objectives.
Accredited continuously since 1926, WKU’s most recent reaffirmation occurred in 2015. After successfully completing the Fifth-Year Interim Report in 2021 and an Off-Site Review last September, we are now preparing for the SACSCOC On-Site Review next Monday through Wednesday, March 10-13.
During this visit, a review committee – comprised of faculty and administrators representing universities from across the southern United States - will evaluate WKU’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Toppers R.I.S.E. This initiative enhances students' educational experiences by equipping them with transferable skills essential for post-graduation success. The QEP aligns with both the Kentucky Graduate Profile (KGP), a statewide project led by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ vision for career-ready graduates.
As part of the review, the committee will visit our Glasgow and Elizabethtown regional campuses, engage with faculty, staff and students and meet with me and other university officials. While on campus, they may request faculty and administrator interviews without prior notice. To accommodate this possibility, we ask that faculty and staff hold their calendars for the afternoons of March 11 and 12 and be prepared to respond to interview requests. The on-site visit is a critical milestone in the reaffirmation process, and we appreciate your engagement and support.
Following the on-site visit, the SACSCOC committee will provide us with feedback and submit its findings to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees, which will make the final reaffirmation determination in December. This peer-reviewed process involves multiple steps, checks and balances and expert perspectives to ensure a thorough and meaningful assessment. I am thankful for the many members of our faculty and staff who have contributed, with a special thank you to Beth Laves, Assistant Provost, Director for Accreditation and Academic Programs; SACSCOC Liaison, for leading the effort.
Finally, WKU remains dedicated to supporting a healthy work-life balance for all employees. As a reminder, the university will close for Spring Break March 19-21. Additionally, we will again implement a reduced 34-hour workweek during the summer, beginning Monday, May 12, and continuing through Friday, August 8. Campus hours remain 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Employees and supervisors should collaborate to create flexible schedules that accommodate personal needs while maintaining their responsibilities and contributing to both institutional and departmental goals. To assist with planning, I encourage you to review the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic calendars.
WKU remains a special place to learn and work, and I appreciate your commitment to fostering an exceptional college experience.
Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni