Houston Christian University

Assessment and Compliance

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the recognized institutional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. Southern states. Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Houston Christian University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3.0033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Office of Assessment and Compliance facilitates Houston Christian University’s efforts in the maintenance and reaffirmation of its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation status.  In this role, the Office of Assessment and Compliance assists the rest of the University with maintaining compliance with the SACSCOC  Principles of Accreditation. Included in this is the submission of all substantive changes and coordination of the annual institutional effectiveness process for all academic programs and administrative departments.

Primary compliance and accreditation functions include:

  • Provide guidance and resources for issues related to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Coordinate the annual institutional effectiveness process
  • Ensure that compliance with accreditation requirements are incorporated into the planning and evaluation process of the institution
  • Notify the SACSCOC of substantive change issues and program developments
  • Familiarize faculty, staff, and students with the SACSCOC’s policies and procedures
  • Coordinate the preparation of any SACSCOC reports or accreditation activities
  • Serve as a resource point during the SACSCOC review process
  • Assist in the preparation for reaffirmation and other accrediting visits
  • Maintain all accreditation materials

Philosophy of Accreditation

“Self-regulation through accreditation embodies a philosophy that a free people can and ought to govern themselves through a representative, flexible, and responsive system. Decentralization of authority honors the rich diversity of educational institutions in our pluralistic society and serves to protect both institutional autonomy and the broader culture of academic freedom in our global society. The empowerment flowing from self-regulation promotes both innovation and accountability in achieving the goals of educating and training citizens in a representative democracy. Consistent with these overarching values, accreditation is best accomplished through a voluntary association of educational institutions. Both a process and a product, accreditation relies on integrity; thoughtful and principled professional judgment; rigorous application of requirements; and a context of trust. The process provides an assessment of an institution’s effectiveness in the fulfillment of its self-defined mission; its compliance with the requirements of its accrediting association; and its continuing efforts to enhance the quality of student learning and its programs and services. Based upon rigorous analysis and reasoned judgment, the process stimulates evaluation and improvement, while providing a means of continuing accountability to the institutions’ stakeholders and to the public.” (SACSCOC, Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, 2018 edition).