Since [date], St. Edward’s University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. SACSCOC serves as the regional accrediting body for institutions across the Southern states, including Texas. The university’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2017 and is scheduled for reaffirmation in 2027.
Accreditation, and the reaffirmation of our institutional status, is important because it affirms that St. Edward’s meets the highest standards for academic quality, ethical practices, and sound governance and administrative operations. It also ensures our continued eligibility for federal grants and research funding, as well as financial aid programs that make higher education more affordable and accessible for students and families.
Timeline and Compliance Certification Process
Preparing the reaffirmation submission offers the university an opportunity to evaluate its practices, policies and procedures, particularly those that impact student success and outcomes. At the heart of the SACSCOC reaffirmation process is a commitment to continuous improvement and engagement.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| SACSCOC Advisory Visit | June 3-4, 2026 |
| Deadline to Submit Compliance Certification | September 6, 2026 |
| SACSCOC Off-Site Committee Review | Fall 2026 |
| Deadline to Submit QEP and Off-Site Committee Response | February 27, 2027 |
| SACSCOC On-Site Committee Visit | April 5-8, 2027 |
| Deadline to Submit On-Site Committee Response | Summer 2027 |
| Reaffirmation Announcement by SACSCOC | December 2027 |
Reaffirmation Leadership Committee
The St. Edward’s SACSCOC Reaffirmation Leadership Committee is composed of institutional leaders across diverse functions of the university. Their responsibilities include participating in the reaffirmation preparation activities; establishing and managing timelines to ensure successful completion of the reaffirmation process; convening internal working groups to develop required reports; and reviewing and approving final reaffirmation documents.
Committee Members:
- Marianne Ward-Peradoza, University Provost, Chair
- Brian Smith, Vice Provost for Academic Policies and Student Success, QEP Co-Chair
- Emma Woelk, Senior Director of Academic Initiatives & Director of General Education, QEP Co-Chair
- Jocelyn Shadforth, Assistant Provost for Accreditation & Assessment, Compliance Certification Chair
- Lisa Kirkpatrick, VP of Student Services and Administration
- Gary Huff, Chief Financial Officer
- Kristy Ballard, Professor of Kinesiology
- Richard Bautch, Executive Director of the Holy Cross Institute
- Luisana Vences, Assistant Director of Human Resources
Faculty Submit Your Updated CV for SACSCOC Accreditation
Faculty are asked to complete the form and upload an updated CV (PDF preferred) by May 15, 2026, to support our SACSCOC decennial reaffirmation of accreditation.