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Message from the Interim President
August 31 , 2011
Several days ago, an article appeared in the Times-Picayune mentioning the College's accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the potential impact on it caused by the recent changes in administration and governance at the College. I hope with this message to provide the facts rather than the speculations presented in the newspaper article.
First of all, let me assure you that the Members of the Corporation of Our Lady of Holy Cross College considered SACS requirements in the changes they made to the College's governance and administration with their announcement on August 16, 2011. Sr. Suellen Tennyson, the Congregational Leader and Chair of the Membership of the Corporation, has reiterated that they intend to comply with SACS standards, thereby maintaining our accreditation.
Second, allow me to summarize our current status with SACS:
- We were reaffirmed for accreditation in 2009 with no requirements; that is, our accreditation was unconditional.
- OLHCC is currently working on a five-year interim report to SACS, which is a normal part of the maintenance of accreditation by all SACS institutions.
- Our next reaffirmation of accreditation, which is a more thorough and lengthy process than the interim report, will be in 2017; this, too, is a normal part of the process SACS requires in order for an institution to remain accredited.
Third, given the significant changes in the College's governance and administration, we are required to submit in writing a statement of the changes with supporting documentation. This is part of their usual protocol in cases of major changes. The College complied with this protocol with a submission mailed on August 22. To date (August 31, at noon) we have not yet received a reply from SACS.
If we receive a request for additional information or discussion, we will promptly and thoroughly respond. SACS accreditation is important to the College, and we will take all steps necessary to maintain our accreditation.
As a final note, let me assure you that the College is in sound financial condition, has the largest endowment in its history, is fully staffed with faculty as we continue the first week of classes in the Fall semester, and is equipped to meet the needs of our students now and in the future. The College is doing well.
Together we can build upon the College's current strengths and make it even more effective in providing an extraordinary education of both heart and mind for our students.
Dr. Myles Seghers, PhD
Interim President
Our Lady of Holy Cross College
