Campus & Community

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has fully accepted Palm Beach State College’s Fifth-Year Interim Report, signaling that the institution continues to provide high-quality and effective programs, services and instruction.

The Committee on Fifth-Year Interim Reports reviewed PBSC’s compliance with 17 select accreditation standards, as well as the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Impact Report, and concluded that the College does not need to submit additional reports.

“The fact that we will not have any follow up reports until our reaffirmation of accreditation in 2022 is quite an achievement,’’ said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D. “I would like to thank the faculty and staff members who have dedicated their time to build quality programs, engage in program reviews, and are committed to the on-going assessment of student learning outcomes.  In addition, I would like to recognize the SACSCOC Fifth-Year Report Team who worked diligently the past year in preparing our report.”

PBSC’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2012 by SACSCOC, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accreditation body for 11 southern states.  SACSCOC, however, requires a review mid-way through the 10-year approval cycle. A key part of the interim report is PBSC’s QEP, which began in 2012 and focused on critical thinking. The initiative engaged dozens of faculty members during the past five years.

“This was an off-site review, but it’s still rigorous,’’ said Dr. Roger Yohe, vice president for academic affairs. “It’s something that our accrediting body doesn’t take lightly, and neither do we. Adhering to accrediting standards is a constant process for the College. It’s much more than just writing a report and submitting it to your accrediting agency. That’s why when we do have successful results we want to inform our employees and our external partners because it’s a significant stamp of approval.”