Brescia University Accreditation Reaffirmed

On Monday, December 5, Brescia University received news that its accreditation was reaffirmed for another 10 years by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the regional accreditor for the southeast of the United States. Brescia was also informed that its warning status was removed as a result of having been found fully compliant with SACS Principles of Accreditation.

Regionally accredited colleges and universities are required to undergo a reaffirmation of accreditation process every ten years. In 2009 as a part of its decennial review, Brescia was placed  on warning, which meant that its accreditation was continued but reaffirmation was delayed until the institution could demonstrate compliance principally in two areas: assessment of outcomes and financial stability and resources.

Already in 2007-2008 Brescia had begun to address these issues with the development of a new strategic plan, a new institutional effectiveness plan, and a three year financial stabilization plan, all of which had achieved their goals by 2010-11.  During this period Brescia had increased its full-time undergraduate degree seeking population by 61%, with the freshman full time population increasing by 60%, leading to the largest freshman class since 1979. Brescia also expanded its online educational presence during this time and experienced incredible growth from 22 full time equivalent students in 2007 to 214 full time equivalent students in 2011.

In October 2011, a special committee from SACS visited Brescia to assess the progress toward addressing these concerns. The committee found Brescia completely in compliance with all standards and requirements and had no further recommendations.   This report was the basis for the SACS Board of Trustees’ decision to reaffirm Brescia’s accreditation and remove the institutions from warning.

President Hostetter, who was at the meeting, said: “While there was never any doubt in the reaffirmation process about the quality of a Brescia education, the previous financial situation gave concern to our accreditors. It is gratifying to know that SACS has recognized the incredible progress of our institution over the last few years.  With our renewed financial stability and strength we will continue to provide a quality educational experience made unique by the Brescia Difference. Our faculty and staff deserve a huge ‘thank-you’ for their dedication to the Brescia mission. Without them we would not have been able to make the strides that we have.”