SACS Comprehensive Standards
Section 3.9: Comprehensive Standards__Student Affairs and Services
Requirements, Standards and Regulations and Rationale
Supporting Document
Examples
3.9.1 The institution publishes a clear and appropriate statement of student
rights and responsibilities and disseminates the statement to
the campus community. (Student rights)
Student handbook and other documents
and publications containing statement
of student rights and responsibilities
Rationale: Because students and student learning are central to the mission of
the institution, institutions are obligated to develop comprehensive and
appropriate policies delineating student rights and responsibilities. To be
effective, such policies are clear and widely available to the entire community of
the institution and include procedures for their implementation. The institution
provides opportunities for students to learn about their rights and
responsibilities.
Descriptions of student rights and
responsibilities at the institution and the
procedures used to implement the
policies
Documents describing the methods of
dissemination of statements on student
rights and responsibilities
Evidence, Questions to
Consider
What are the policies governing
rights and responsibilities of
students (both academic and
nonacademic)?
How do these rights conform to
sound educational principles and
practice and meet the needs of all
the types of students served by
the institution?
What are ways in which the
institution ensures that students as
well as other constituencies of the
institution are aware of student
rights and responsibilities?
What are the procedures for
implementation of the policies on
student rights and
responsibilities?
How are alleged violations and
grievances regarding student
rights and responsibilities
handled?
3.9.2 The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity
of student records and maintains special security measures to protect and back
up data. (Student records)
Student handbook; documents that
contain security policies; evidence that
institution adheres to FERPA
Rationale: The maintenance of the confidentiality of student records in secure
locations is critical to the integrity of the institution. In order to meet this
obligation, institutions develop and implement policies pertaining to student
records. Campus constituencies need to understand the nature of student
records and the policies that pertain to these records such as confidentiality,
access, release, and security.
The policies and procedures governing
student records, their security and
confidentiality, their use, and their
release.
What are the definitions, policies,
and procedures governing student
records, their confidentiality and
their release? How does the
institution ensure that it adheres
to these policies and procedures?
How are the policies regarding
student records in accordance
with federal regulations and how
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SACS Comprehensive Standards
Section 3.9: Comprehensive Standards__Student Affairs and Services
Requirements, Standards and Regulations and Rationale
Supporting Document
Examples
Evidence, Questions to
Consider
do they follow educational best
practices?
How are students and others in
the community informed of
policies and procedures governing
student records?
What is the policy and process for
the storage, release,
dissemination, and disposition of
student records (including both
electronic and printed records)?
3.9.3 The institution employs qualified personnel to ensure the quality
and effectiveness of its student affairs programs. (Qualified staff)
List of staff for student affairs
programs
Rationale: Appropriate and effective student programs and services are central
to student learning and development. In order to carry out such programs and
services, the institution is expected to have student affairs professionals that
have adequate educational training and experience to provide these services.
Qualified staff members are essential to carrying out the mission of student
services programs. The emphasis is on overall qualifications rather than
academic credentials and, that while academic credentials are primary and in
most cases will be the standard qualification, other types of qualifications may
prove appropriate.
Qualifications listed for student affairs
staff
Student affairs organizational chart and
list of support services
Roster of students affairs staff and
documentation of their qualifications
along with position descriptions and
any professional development support
Relevant handbooks and manuals
Evidence of the quality and
effectiveness of student affairs
programs
What are the various student
support programs and services
and how are they staffed?
How are student affairs programs
and services along with staff
members evaluated?
What are the training and
professional growth opportunities
for student affairs staff?
Assessments of student affairs
programs and services including staff
evaluation procedures and records
Evidence that members of the student
affairs staff have opportunities for
professional growth and training and
that they take advantage of them
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