2020-2021 Events
2021 Summer Forum: Substantive Change Policy with Dr. Kevin Sightler, SACSCOC Director of Substantive Change and Dr. Robin Zuniga, SACSCOC Coordinator of Substantive Change
August 5, 2021 at 11:00 am
Agenda:
This event was recorded and is available, along with the presentation slides, on the SACSCOC Substantive Changes webpage. On the SACSCOC Substantive Changes page, scroll down to On-demand webinars:
Substantive Change Policy: Selected Topics [MP4] and handout [PDF]. This webinar covers an overview of the revised policy (2020, as amended) and the previous policy, a general review of procedures, new programs, and prospectus development. (Recording courtesy Virginia Regional Accreditation Symposium and James Madison University; August 5, 2021)
Potpourri: What is on Your Mind?
April 26, 2021 at 3:00 pm
(This event will open 30 minutes early to allow participants to network. Meet new colleagues, ask questions, and share your experiences!)
Ever wonder if assessment activities need IRB approval? Do your colleagues keep asking you about NC-SARA? How are you assessing the SCHEV competencies? Are you new to the accreditation/SACSCOC world and need some tips? This session is designed to address recurring questions and issues. These and more topics will be discussed in small 10-minute discussions of these and other topics during this session.
Recent Changes to the Higher Education Act
March 24, 2021 at 3:00 pm
(This event will open 30 minutes early to allow participants to network. Meet new colleagues, ask questions, and share your experiences!)
Panel with VRAS members: Herb Amato, James Madison University (moderating); Rachel Gable, Virginia Commonwealth University; Matthew Smith, George Mason University
The panel will address updates and topics from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Annual Meeting in January and how our universities may be affected, including policy changes, accreditation, legislation, tuition and funding, transfer students, equity and social justice initiatives, election results, and new leadership in the Department of Education and CHEA.
Accreditation in the Virtual World
February 22, 2021 at 3:00 pm
(This event will open 30 minutes early to allow participants to network. Meet new colleagues, ask questions, and share your experiences!)
Panel with VRAS members: Ryan Murnane, Regent University (moderating); Kathy Walker, Randolph Macon College; Matthew Smith, George Mason University; Tisha Paredes, Old Dominion University; Skip Kastroll, Liberty University
Higher Ed and accreditation have not been immune to the impacts of COVID-19. Institutions needed to shift many protocols to a virtual setting while ensuring continued accreditation compliance. This panel discussion will include representatives from private and public institutions to explore how they virtually managed their accreditation oversight and how they prepared for upcoming virtual SACSCOC reports and visits.
New/Revised SACSCOC Policies and Interpretations of the Principles of Accreditation.
January 25, 2021 at 11:00 am
Please join VRAS as we host Dr. Denise Young, SACSCOC Vice President, for an hour-long forum to discuss impacts of new and revised SACSCOC Policies and new Interpretations of the Principles of Accreditation approved by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees at their last two meetings. The forum will include a 30-minute presentation by Dr. Young, followed by a Q&A session.
View Dr. Young's presentation slides.
VRAS Listserv
To join the VRAS email listserv, visit https://lists.virginia.edu/sympa/info/vras
Mission
VRAS, an active, purposeful network of higher education colleagues in Virginia, advances open discussion and dissemination of knowledge to support institutions’ achieving and sustaining SACSCOC accreditation.
Vision
VRAS serves the higher education community in Virginia by facilitating inter-institutional relationships and providing accurate information and reliable interpretation of SACSCOC policy.
Purpose
The purposes of the VRAS are to:
- Build relationships among faculty and staff responsible for compliance with SACSCOC policies and principles.
- Provide resources for faculty and staff that deal with the intersection of state recognition and regional accreditation.
- Serve as a forum for discussion about salient accreditation-related issues and how they affect Virginia institutions.
- Share accreditation-related knowledge and experiences among Virginia institutions that may serve as an example or guidance to colleagues.
- Welcome, engage, and mentor new members from within our own and other accredited institutions within the Commonwealth to share knowledge and ensure the future growth of the VRAS.
Past Symposia
VRAS Planning Committee
Linda Birtley (Union Presbyterian Seminary), Susan Bosworth (William & Mary), Andrew Carrington (Norfolk State University), Cindy Chiarello (James Madison University), Rachel Gable (Virginia Commonwealth University), Skip Kastroll (Liberty University), Geoffrey Klein (Christopher Newport University), Craig Lawhorne (Southern Virginia University), Ryan Murnane (Regent University), Lois Myers (University of Virginia), Tisha Paredes (Old Dominion University), Matthew J. Smith (George Mason University), Kathy Walker (Randolph Macon College)
VRAS Contact - Cindy Chiarello