Atlanta Christian College has received word of its successful reaffirmation of accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

ACC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of SACS to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. The College initially received accreditation in 1990 and has twice been reaffirmed.

Dean Collins, ACC’s interim president, said this reaffirmation is critical to the college’s continued success.

“This has been an enormous undertaking, but well worth the effort,” he said. “Reaffirmation of our accreditation confirms the quality and accountability of our programs and services, and is an important stepping stone in continuing to build the strength of the college.”

Collins noted that the accomplishment is the result of several years of hard work by the entire campus community.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated people who teach, work and serve on this campus,” he added.

Heading the reaffirmation effort for ACC were Dr. Dennis Glenn, vice president for academic affairs, and the administrative cabinet. Nearly every person on campus contributed in some way during the three-year process.

“The reaffirmation process has resulted in many positive outcomes for our campus,” said Glenn, “not the least of which is the Significant Cross-Cultural Experience program.”

Each institution applying for accreditation or renewal of accreditation with SACS is required to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that addresses one or more issues that contribute to the improvement of student learning.

The college has developed a QEP designed to initiate and enhance student learning in global awareness and cross-cultural effectiveness. Beginning with those who enroll in fall 2006, each ACC student will be required to engage in a significant cross-cultural experience prior to graduation. This field experience will immerse the student in a culture dissimilar to his or her own, engaging him or her with the people of that culture in service-, education- or outreach-oriented interactions.

“The Significant Cross-Cultural Experience will help prepare students to interact with and influence people of various cultures,” said Glenn. “Whether they are going to other places or the people of other places are coming here, our students need to be ready to make a difference in a Great-Commission way, leading and serving to the glory of God.”

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the recognized regional accreditation body in the 11 U.S. Southern states and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees.

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