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