Institutional Effectiveness

About the Office

Mission

The mission of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness is to foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is accomplished through consulting with departments on annual plans, objectives, and assessments; ensuring planning processes inform budgeting decisions; providing data reports and analysis to support informed decision-making; steering institution-level accreditation processes and supporting program-level accreditation; providing excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders; and aligning curriculum changes with accreditation considerations.

Accreditation

Athens Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree.  Questions about the accreditation of Athens Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

SACSCOC On-Site Visit

Countdown
Timeline

The following table highlights the key events in this peer-led process.

DateEvent
March 1, 2023Compliance Certification
April 25-27, 2023Preliminary Report Completed by Off-Site Reaffirmation Committee
Aug. 18, 2023QEP and Focused Report Due
Oct. 9-12, 2023On-Site Reaffirmation Visit
June 10-13, 2024SACSCOC Board of Trustees Decision
General On-Site Visit Schedule
DateEvent
Monday, October 9Peer reviewers arrive; visit sample of campuses; discussion groups
Tuesday, October 10Campus welcome; QEP presentation; discussion groups
Wednesday, October 11Discussion groups
Thursday, October 12Exit interview; peer reviewers depart
On-Site Reaffirmation Committee

The Focused Report provides the foundation for the On-Site Reaffirmation Committee’s subsequent review of standards for which compliance has not yet been documented.

The On-Site Reaffirmation Committee is expected to:

  • examine and evaluate, as appropriate, the institution’s mission, policies, procedures, programs, resources, and services and other activities as they support compliance with these remaining standards
  • review specific standards as referenced in federal regulation and associated with the U.S. Department of Education recognition of accreditors
  • evaluate the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and provide consultation regarding the issues addressed in the QEP
  • visit a sample of off-campus instructional sites approved to offer 50% or more of a program
  • review distance education

The On-Site Reaffirmation Committee includes the chair, and evaluators in areas of organization and governance, academic administration, faculty, student support or library services, institutional effectiveness, and the Quality Enhancement Plan. None of the committee members may be from institutions in the same states as the main campus of the institution being visited. A SACSCOC Vice President accompanies the committee.

Substantive Change Procedures

View Policies (Revised Oct. 2022)

Student Achievement Data

Athens Technical College identifies, evaluates, and publishes goals and outcomes for student achievement appropriate to the college’s mission, the nature of the students it serves, and the kinds of programs offered. ATC has identified the following performance indicators to show evidence of student success: IPEDS Graduation Rates, Fall-to-Fall Retention of Beginning Students, and Placement Rates.

Strategic Plan 2023-2028: ATC The Destination

Meet Our Staff

Dr. Laurie McDowell

Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness

AthensI-402 D

706-552-0989

Email

Dr. Kristen Douglas

Vice President of Academic Affairs & Institutional Effectiveness

Athens CampusI-402

706-227-5375

Email