TAMIU Receives Critical Reaffirmation from SACS

Texas A&M International University has received word of its successful reaffirmation of accreditation by the Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (CCSACS).

In action taken at its December meeting, the Commission reaffirmed TAMIU's accreditation along with 35 other institutions of higher education. It also continued the University's accreditation after review of substantive change for the University's addition of its Ph.D. program in International Business.

The University's bid for reaffirmation takes place every 10 years and includes an exhaustive self-study process that impacts all levels of the University community.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said the reaffirmation is critical to the University, its programs and its students.

"This has been a Herculean undertaking, as well it should be, for achieving reaffirmation signals the quality, excellence and accountability of all our programs and services.  Our self-study is reviewed by a panel of our peers, each keenly dedicated to insuring that our programs and services perform at a level of quality and devotion that merits the reaffirmation," Dr. Keck said.

Keck noted that the accomplishment clearly rests on the collective shoulders of the entire University community.

"I am deeply impressed by the effort brought forth by our entire University community: faculty and staff. We are all much blessed by their service. Their sacrifice has insured that this University can continue to fulfill its mission and inspire future generations of students, staff and faculty," he said.

Heading the reaffirmation effort for the University were Mary Treviño, associate vice president for academic affairs; Veronica Martínez, director of institutional effectiveness and planning; Mario Peña, director of Web Services; and Dr. Susan Walker, director of the Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing.

Of special interest with this reaffirmation initiative was the University's conducting and posting of the entire self-study process and submission on a distinct Web site that was viewable 24 hours, seven days a week.

Keck noted that the reaffirmation process, in combination with the University's ongoing strategic planning, helps to identify and develop new ways of improving the University's operation and impact.

"The process is truly unique and, when complete, truly puts in place innovative mechanisms that improve communication, collaboration, planning and accountability," he noted.

CCSACS is the recognized regional accrediting body in the 11 U.S. Southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia; and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education awarding associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees.

The Commission on Colleges, the representative body of the College Delegate Assembly, is charged with carrying out the accreditation process.

In order to gain or maintain accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges.

The Commission on Colleges applies the requirements of its Principles to all applicant, candidate, and member institutions, regardless of type of institution (public, private for-profit, private not-for-profit).

For additional information, please contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, visit offices in Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library 268, or e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu

Additional information on CCSACS is also available by clicking on http://www.sacscoc.org/about.asp

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu