Representation to Other Agencies

Responsibilities of Deans Regarding Specialized and Programmatic Accreditation

To ensure Southern Methodist University's continued compliance with SACSCOC Standard 14.4 (Representation to Other Agencies), each dean is responsible for keeping the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (IE) informed of the status of all specialized and programmatic accreditations within their school.

 

Dean Responsibilities

1. Verify Programmatic Accreditation Information 

Regularly review the University's official list of specialized and programmatic accreditors:

SMU Accreditors Website

https://www.smu.edu/provost/assessment/accreditations/accreditors

Please notify Institutional Effectiveness promptly of any changes, including:

  • Addition or discontinuation of a specialized or programmatic accreditor
  • Changes to accreditation status (including monitoring, warning, probation, or other adverse actions)
  • Changes to accreditation review or reaffirmation schedules
  • Changes in the name of an accrediting agency or accredited program

 

2. Notify Institutional Effectiveness Before Withdrawing from an Accreditor

If your school is considering withdrawing from a specialized or programmatic accreditor, please notify Institutional Effectiveness well in advance of any final decision.

SACSCOC requires institutions to report certain changes in accreditation status, including withdrawals from specialized accreditors. Early notification allows the University to determine any required institutional reporting and ensure compliance with SACSCOC expectations.

 

3. Use the Official Institutional Description

When preparing accreditation self-studies, reports, or other materials that describe Southern Methodist University, please use the official institutional description in the current SMU Catalog: https://catalog.smu.edu/content.php?catoid=71&navoid=6941

Using a common institutional description helps ensure consistency and accuracy across all accreditation reports.

 

4. Provide Accreditation Documentation to Institutional Effectiveness

Please provide Institutional Effectiveness with copies of:

  • Accreditation self-studies or self-evaluation reports submitted to specialized or programmatic accreditors
  • Final accreditation reports or action letters received from accreditors
  • Any interim reports or monitoring reports requested by an accrediting agency

Maintaining these materials centrally supports institutional accreditation, compliance reporting, and historical recordkeeping.

 

Annual Verification Process

Beginning in August 2026, Institutional Effectiveness will send an annual request during the first week of August to each dean and associate dean asking schools to:

  • Verify the accuracy of the University's published list of specialized and programmatic accreditors
  • Confirm upcoming accreditation review dates and reporting schedules
  • Report any changes in accreditation status or anticipated changes requiring institutional notification

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring SMU maintains accurate accreditation records and remains fully compliant with SACSCOC accreditation requirements.