Institutional Effectiveness
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education
specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials
such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation
of East Tennessee State University 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 (www.sacscoc.org).
SACSCOC defines institutional effectiveness as: "the systematic, explicit, and documented process of measuring performance against mission in all aspects of an institution."
As required by SACSCOC:
- ETSU engages in ongoing, comprehensive, and integrated research-based planning and
evaluation processes that focus on institutional quality and effectiveness and incorporate
a systematic review of institutional goals and outcomes consistent with its mission.
(Core Requirement 7.1: Institutional planning)
- ETSU identifies expected outcomes of its administrative support services and demonstrates the extent to which the outcomes are achieved. (Standard 7.3: Administrative effectiveness)
- ETSU identifies, evaluates, and publishes goals and outcomes for student achievement
appropriate to the institution’s mission, the nature of the students it serves, and
the kinds of programs offered. ETSU uses multiple measures to document student success.
(Core Requirement 8.1: Student achievement)
- ETSU identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these
outcomes, and provides evidence of seeking improvement based on analysis of the results
in the areas below:
- student learning outcomes for each of its educational programs;
- student learning outcomes for collegiate-level general education competencies of its undergraduate degree programs; and
- academic and student services that support student success. (Standard 8.2: Student outcomes)
ETSU’s institutional effectiveness process requires academic programs and academic and student support units to identify expected outcomes directly related to the mission of the institution or program. Units develop an assessment plan for each outcome that identifies the measure, the criteria necessary for success, and a schedule for data collection and analysis. Units develop improvement plans as indicated by the data. Units rate the effectiveness of improvements after subsequent data is collected and adjust improvement plans accordingly.
In addition, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s Quality Assurance Funding (QAF) program provides a funding incentive to encourage continuous improvement of programs and services. The QAF program encourages all public institutions in Tennessee, including ETSU, to build comprehensive evaluation systems whereby they can reliably measure student learning, program success, stakeholder satisfaction, and outcomes for specific populations of students.
Contact:
Cheri W. Clavier, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation Liaison
(423) 439-7483
clavier@etsu.edu