Accreditation
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and many of its individual programs participate regularly in rigorous internal and external review processes for the purpose of maintaining accreditation.
Institutional Accreditation
Institution-wide accreditation is governed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that oversees colleges and universities in an 11-state area including North Carolina. All SACSCOC member institutions are required to undergo a full accreditation review every ten years and submit a Fifth-Year Interim Report between decennial reviews. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award: baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees and certificates. For more information about the accreditation status of UNC-Chapel Hill contact:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
Telephone: 404-679-4501- www.sacscoc.org
Please contact the Commission only in relation to the University’s compliance with accreditation requirements. Normal inquiries about admission requirements, educational programs, and financial aid should be directed to the University.
- SACSCOC Accreditation Status Confirmation October 2017
- SACSCOC Reaffirmation Letter January 2007
- General Information on the Accreditation Process
- SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation (2012)
July 6, 2016 Letter from Dr. Belle Wheelan, SACSCOC President, Notification of UNC-CH being Removed from Probation
April 15, 2016 Carolina Commitment website update
March 11, 2016 UNC-Chapel Hill First Monitoring Report
March 11, 2016 UNC-Chapel Hill First Monitoring Report w/ supporting documents
July 1, 2015 Letter from SACSCOC Concerning June 2015 Board Decision
June 18, 2015 Disclosure Statement Regarding the Status of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
March 9, 2015 Letter from Chancellor Folt to SACSCOC With Clarification
January 20, 2015 Carolina Commitment website update
January 2015 UNC-Chapel Hill report responding to SACSCOC Request
January 2015 UNC-Chapel Hill report responding to SACSCOC Request w/ supporting documents
January 12, 2015 Letter from Chancellor Folt to SACSCOC Transmitting University Response
November 21, 2014 Carolina Commitment website update
November 13, 2014 Letter from SACSCOC Concerning Wainstein Report
July 9, 2014 Letter from SACSCOC Concerning June 2014 Board Decision
April 11, 2014 Letter from Chancellor Folt about Second Monitoring Report
April 14, 2014 Second Monitoring Report
July 10, 2013 Letter from SACSCOC Concerning June 2013 Board Decision
June 20, 2013 Message from Chancellor Thorp about Accrediting Agency Decision
June 20, 2013 Information about Accrediting Agency Decision
June 20, 2013 Questions and Answers about Accrediting Agency Decision
May 1, 2013 Report of the Special Committee
May 29, 2013 University Response to the Report of the Special Committee
March 8, 2013 University Response to SACSCOC, (Response to the January 15, 2013 Request from SACSCOC)
March 8, 2013 Tables Related to Type 1 Courses in Response
January 15, 2013 Request from SACSCOC
Note: The public PDF and Web versions of the University’s responses listed above reflect redactions required by federal and state laws to protect the privacy rights of students and employees.
Program Accreditation
A variety of external bodies also accredit programs in specific fields and professions offered by UNC-Chapel Hill. A complete list of all the agencies that accredit UNC-Chapel Hill programs is provided.
- Agencies that Accredit UNC-Chapel Hill Programs by Agency
- Agencies that Accredit UNC-Chapel Hill Programs by College/School
Substantive Change Policy
The University is required to notify SACSCOC of any substantive changes. Substantive change is a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution. For more information please read the following documents. For consultation about whether a program change requires SACSCOC notification or approval, contact the University’s Accreditation Liaison, Dr. Lynn Williford.
For more information, please contact us at the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.