UB Plans to Seek Accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and School

Mon, May 1st 2017, 05:35 PM

President of The University of The Bahamas (UB) Dr. Rodney Smith announced that the University is seeking to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

When accreditation is awarded to an institution of higher education by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, it means that the institution has a mission appropriate to higher education.

During a press conference at Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, Monday, May 1, 2017, Dr. Smith explained that it will take the help of many individuals to complete the process.

He said Assistant VP, Institutional Strengthening and Accreditation, Dr. Danny Davis has been working hard on the project since 2016.

He added that the University has also retained the President, Middle Tennessee State University, Dr. Sidney McPhee as a consultant to help UB attain accreditation from SACS.

The UB President said, “Dr. McPhee has had extensive experience in SACS Accreditation. He has consulted with colleges and universities outside as well as inside of the United States for their SACS Accreditation.

“We are very happy that he is a Bahamian, he is a sitting President, he has an extensive background in higher education and that he is willing to assist UB moving forward to make sure we are fully accredited as well.”

Dr. McPhee has served as President of Middle Tennessee State University for 16 years and has also served on the Board of Trustees, the governing oversight entity of SACS, for two terms (six years).

Dr. McPhee said that it was a great strategic move on the part of UB’s administration on moving forward to be accredited by SACS because of the many advantages it would hold as the University grows and develops into a nationally and internationally recognized tertiary institution.

“The stamp of approval from SACS goes a long way in telling the world that the University not only has arrived, but it is also competitive; it can compete with any university in this region and around the world.”

Dr. McPhee noted however that the accreditation process is a long one with many stages.

He said there are over 91 standards that an institution must meet in order to gain accreditation.

“I have had some preliminary discussions with the Provost, Dr. Davis and also the President, and I think that they have put together a very strong foundation that will eventually lead to accreditation.

“In order to accomplish this, the University will have to show quality throughout the enterprise. It is not just the academic area; it is the facilities; it is the governing structure; it is the quality of the faculty; it is the interaction between the administration and the faculty.”

He said, “The administration has to show that it is in control of the day to day operations of the University.”

However, Dr. McPhee said that it is worth getting the accreditation, as UB would be in a better position to attract students from around the world especially the United States. 

A press conference was held at the University of The Bahamas, Monday, May 1, 2017, to announce that the University will be seeking accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Pictured from left at the press conference are Assistant VP, Institutional Strengthening and Accreditation, Dr. Danny Davis; Provost, Dr. Linda Davis; President, UB, Dr. Rodney Smith and President, Middle Tennessee State University, Dr. Sidney McPhee. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

By Llonella Gilbert

Bahamas Information Services

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