Institutional Accreditation

Jacksonville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Jacksonville State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jacksonville State University 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).

In addition to JSU's regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees, the university offers many programs that have received specialized accreditation from state, regional and/or national professional associations and boards.

Procedures for Filing a Complaint against an Institution

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) recognizes the value of information provided by students, employees, and others in determining whether an institution’s performance is consistent with SACSCOC standards for obtaining or maintaining accreditation. SACSCOC is also committed to ensuring that member institutions maintain appropriate grievance procedures and standards of procedural fairness and that these are applied appropriately and consistently. Reviewing formal, written complaints involving member institutions enables SACSCOC to address possible non-compliance with its Principles of Accreditation and policies, as well as to address possible violations of an institution’s own policies and procedures, if related to the Principles.

Because SACSCOC’s complaint process is for the purpose of addressing any significant non-compliance with SACSCOC’s accreditation standards or policies, this process is not intended to be used to involve SACSCOC in disputes between individuals and member institutions, or cause SACSCOC to interpose itself as a reviewing authority in individual matters of admission, grades, granting or transferability of credits, application of academic policies, fees or other financial matters, disciplinary matters, or contractual rights and obligations. Nor does SACSCOC seek redress on an individual’s behalf. Under no circumstances does SACSCOC respond to – or take action on – any complaint or any allegation that contains defamatory or threatening statements. Further, SACSCOC will not serve as a grievance panel when the outcome of institutional grievance or appeal processes is unsatisfactory to the complainant.

Policy Statement: Complaints Against SACSCOC or its Accredited Institutions