Accreditation

OVERVIEW

Dalton State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and associate degrees. Dalton State College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Dalton State College 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).

The purpose of publishing the commission’s contact information is to enable interested parties 1) to learn about the accreditation status, 2) to file a third-party comment at the time of the institution’s review, or 3) to file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. Normal inquiries about Dalton State, such as admission requirements, financial aid, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission.

COMPLAINTS AGAINST SACSCOC OR ITS ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS POLICY

The complaints process described in SACSCOC’s Complaints Against SACSCOC or its Accredited Institutions Policy is “not intended to be used to involve SACSCOC in disputes between individuals and member institutions, or cause SACSCOC to interpose itself as a reviewing authority in individual matters of admission, grades, granting or transferability of credits, application of academic policies, fees or other financial matters, disciplinary matters, or contractual rights and obligations. Nor does SACSCOC seek redress on an individual’s behalf. Under no circumstances does SACSOC respond to — or take action on — any complaint or any allegation that contains defamatory or threatening statements. Further, SACSCOC will not serve as a grievance panel when the outcome of institutional grievance or appeal processes is unsatisfactory to the complainant.”

Complaints against SACSCOC are limited to complaints regarding the agency’s accreditation standards, procedures, and SACSOC staff or any other SACSCOC representative. In order to be considered a formal complaint against SACSCOC, a complaint must involve issues broader than a concern about a specific institutional action.