Thomas University has met five of six concerns brought forth a year ago by a national accrediting agency.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee on Colleges (SACSCOC) continued TU’s accreditation last year but required the university to make changes to meet its standards in six areas. At its Dec. 5 meeting in Dallas, Texas, SACSCOC reviewed information provided by SACSCOC officials approved the changes in five areas. However, SACSCOC is continuing to review TU’s programs in partnership with universities in China. 

SACSCOC officials did not spell out those details but will address them in a letter that TU administrators will receive in January 2018.

The one area of ongoing review means that TU is still on SACSCOC’s warning list, but TU maintains accreditation by the agency.

“It’s important to remember that Thomas University is still accredited by SACSCOC,” said Dr. Andy Sheppard, TU president. “Our faculty, staff and administrators have worked diligently to make the changes SACSCOC requested last year, and SACSCOC officials are happy with those changes. Once we get the SACSCOC letter in January explaining the specific feedback on our China programs, we’ll work with our partners there to develop a plan to address any areas of concern.”

TU partners with universities in China to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing and business to students at those universities. Sheppard added that it’s possible SACSCOC may send a delegation to China to visit TU’s programs at the partner universities.

TU’s SACSCOC accreditation remains in place. The SACSCOC warning does not affect TU’s other accreditations by other agencies for specific programs.