The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) placed Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic on probation for one year on June 26, 2008, after reviewing an initial monitoring report submitted by the institution and other relevant information.
A July 7 disclosure statement regarding Sherman's accreditation status explained why the commission placed the college on probation, the most serious sanction short of loss of membership:
Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic was denied reaffirmation of accreditation and placed on Probation because the Commission determined that it failed to demonstrate compliance with Principle 1.1 (Integrity), Core Requirement 2.2 (Governing Board); Core Requirement 2.12 (Quality Enhancement Plan); Comprehensive Standard 3.2.4 (External Influence); Comprehensive Standard 3.2.8 (Qualified Administrative/Academic Officers); Comprehensive Standard 3.7.4 (Academic Freedom); and Federal Requirement 4.5 (Student Complaints) of the [Principles of Accreditation]. Principle 1.1 expects an institution to operate with integrity in all matters. The cited Core Requirements expect an accredited institution to provide evidence that it (1) has a governing board that is ultimately responsible for ensuring a sound educational program and (2) is not controlled by a minority of the board and has an acceptable Quality Enhancement Plan. The cited Comprehensive Standards expect an accredited institution to have a governing board free from undue influence, to have qualified administrative and academic officers, and to ensure adequate procedures for protecting academic freedom. The cited Federal Requirement expects adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints.
In December 2007, SACS placed Sherman on "warning" for six months for "failure to comply with Core Requirement 2.12 (Quality Enhancement Plan) of the Principles of Accreditation." According to SACS, "The concept of quality enhancement is at the heart of the commission's philosophy of accreditation. Each institution applying for accreditation or renewal of accreditation is required to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Engaging the wider academic community and addressing one or more issues that contribute to institutional improvement, the plan should be focused, succinct and limited in length. The QEP describes a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue(s) related to enhancing student learning."
In June 2009, the commission will consider Sherman's accreditation status following review of a second monitoring report submitted by the college, addressing issues of noncompliance and the report of a special committee scheduled to visit the Sherman campus in spring 2009. The commission can then exercise one of the following three options: "reaffirm accreditation, remove Probation with or without an additional monitoring report; (2)deny reaffirmation, continue accreditation, continue Probation for six months, request an additional report, and authorize aSpecial Committee; or (3) remove the institution's accreditation."
For additional information on the SACS Commission on Colleges, including the commission's accreditation process, policies and principles, visit www.sacscoc.org.Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
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