Gordon State College has received notice that its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has been reaffirmed.

SACSCOC requires accreditation reaffirmation every 10 years and for institutions under review to develop a five-year Quality Enhancement Plan - an action plan intended to improve student learning and success through a college-wide, multi-year initiative.

Gordon State's plan, "First Things First: Increasing Mastery in Quantitative and Communication Skills," was designed to put "first things first" by improving student learning in algebra and English composition and reinforce behaviors that lead to academic success.

"The months-long process of reaffirmation provided the entire Gordon State community the opportunity to look at what we were doing well and what we could do to improve and positively impact our students," said Gordon State College President Max Burns. "I could not be more pleased with the outcome and the teamwork demonstrated across campus to achieve this goal."

The QEP will be fully implemented over five years but will continue to strengthen the academic foundation of the students of Gordon State College for many years to come, according to Dr. Burns.

Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges signifies that Gordon State College has a mission appropriate to higher education; has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that mission; and maintains clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers, and that indicate whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.