About The Commission
Strengthening Institutions. Serving Students. Advancing Higher Education.
Who We Are
The Commission works to ensure students are served by institutions committed to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. As a recognized accrediting body for degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States and around the world, we help institutions strengthen effectiveness, uphold academic quality, and deliver on the promise of student success.
Through accreditation, we partner with institutions of all types to support learning, build trust, and reinforce the standards that help students, families, employers, and communities have confidence in higher education.
What Guides Our Work
Mission
To assure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions
Students First. Always.
A commitment that anchors our
standards, our peer-review process, and our work with institutions
Vision
To serve as a leading model for shaping and ensuring the quality of higher
education worldwide
The Commission employs an accountable and transparent peer review process which assures educational quality and integrity, fosters continuous self-improvement, and promotes student success.
Integrity
Continuous Quality Improvement
Peer Review
Accountability
Student Learning
Transparency
A New Name.
The Same Commitment.
The Commission on Colleges and Universities, formerly known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), continues the same accreditation mission, authority, and commitment that have guided its work for decades.
While the organization now operates under a new name that more clearly reflects the institutions it serves and the broader reach of its accreditation activities, member institutions can expect the same gold standard in accreditation, support from our staff, and dedication to quality assurance in higher education.
What Changed
- Name
- Brand identity and logo
- Website and communications materials
- Social media branding
What Didn't Change
- Accreditation status of member institutions
- Recognition by the U.S. Department of Education
- Peer review process
- Mission and purpose
- Commitment to quality assurance and transparency
A Message from Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt
The Meaning Behind Our Brand
The Commission’s new identity reflects both where we have been and where higher education is headed. Every element, from the torch and shield to the navy and gold palette, was chosen to represent the balance of excellence, accountability, and trust at the head of accreditation.
Torch + Shield
Students First. Always.
Navy speaks to trust, stability, and credibility. Gold reflects the achievement, excellence, and the transformative power of higher education.
Together, the colors reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality while helping institutions pursue innovation and continuous improvement.
