The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices primarily among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America and certain other international sites approved by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees. The Commission also accepts applications for membership from domestic institutions in the other 39 states, as well as international institutions of higher education around the world.
Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Wake Forest 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).
Reaffirmation of accreditation occurs every 10 years. Wake Forest’s next reaffirmation of accreditation will take place in 2025-2026.
As part of the reaffirmation of accreditation process, Wake Forest will submit 1) a Compliance Certification demonstrating compliance with requirements, standards, and federal regulations, 2) an Institutional Summary Form prepared for Commission review, and 3) a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that addresses a focused topic or issue related to enhancing student learning. An Off-Site Reaffirmation Committee, which consists of faculty and staff members from other SACSCOC accredited institutions, will review Wake Forest’s Compliance Certification in fall 2025. Additional documentation may be required after the Off-Site Committee’s review.
An On-Site Reaffirmation Committee, which also consists of faculty and staff members from other SACSCOC accredited institutions, will visit Wake Forest’s campus in spring 2026. The On-Site Committee evaluates and determines the acceptability of the QEP, reviews areas of non-compliance noted by the Off-Site Committee, reviews standards and requirements related to the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, and investigates any additional areas of interest. The On-Site Reaffirmation Committee completes the Report of the Reaffirmation Committee, which is submitted to the Commission.
In December 2026, SACSCOC will notify Wake Forest University of the reaffirmation of accreditation decision.