Accreditation and Institutional Approvals

Aquinas College is committed to academic excellence, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement in service to its mission of Catholic higher education. The College maintains the institutional accreditation and program approvals necessary to provide high-quality academic and professional formation while serving students, the Church, and the broader community.

SACSCOC Accreditation

Aquinas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Aquinas College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions concerning the accreditation of Aquinas College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Please note that inquiries should relate to the College’s accreditation status or compliance with SACSCOC standards. Normal inquiries regarding admissions, educational programs, financial aid, or other routine matters should be directed to Aquinas College.

State Authorization and Program Approval

Tennessee State Board of Education

The Aquinas College School of Education is approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education to offer programs leading to initial teacher licensure at both the elementary and secondary levels. This approval affirms that the College’s educator preparation programs meet state requirements for preparing qualified teachers for service in schools.

Office of Institutional Research

The Office of Institutional Research provides complete and accurate data in a timely manner as required by various units and educational programs of the College for the purpose of making sound decisions about the quality of services and educational programs. The Office of Institutional Research also conducts various surveys and responds to survey requests from governmental agencies as well as other, select organizations.

Institutional Effectiveness

The extent to which the College is accomplishing its mission is determined primarily by metrics utilized to ascertain achievement of its goals. The goals of Aquinas College are listed below, with each one linked to annually updated data tables, outcomes measures and analyses that provide indicators of success and suggest future strategies for improvement.

(It will be noted that Aquinas College Goals #1 and #2 utilize metrics associated with student achievement to determine the extent to which they have been accomplished.)

Aquinas College Organizational Goals

The following goals of Aquinas College represent its commitment to student achievement and formation, operational efficacy and mission promotion through community engagement:

1. Provide academic programs in education and in the liberal arts that foster the intellectual and moral virtues, professional excellence, and integration of faith and life.
2. Provide services and support that facilitate academic progress, inquiry, and achievement.
3. Cultivate a student experience directed toward the formation of the whole person in virtue, wisdom, maturity, and Christian friendship through social, spiritual, and academic activities.
4. Provide opportunities to engage with the local and broader communities, especially in endeavors related to cultural and intellectual interests, continuing education, catechetics, and faith formation.
5. Steward the gifts and resources entrusted to the College to advance its mission.

Dr. William Smart
Vice President for Academic Affairs
smartb@aquinascollege.edu
(615) 297-7545 ext. 478
(615) 292-6094 fax