Western Piedmont Community College Reaffirms Accreditation

Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is pleased to announce that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has reaffirmed the institution’s accreditation. This decision was made by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees during their meeting on June 13, 2024.

The reaffirmation of accreditation signifies WPCC’s ongoing commitment to providing highquality education and upholding the standards set by SACSCOC. Notably, no additional reports were requested from the institution, underscoring the college’s compliance with all accreditation requirements.

The reaffirmation process began with the submission of a self-study by the college to SACSCOC in March 2023. The self-study required the college to assess its mission; governing board; administrative and organizational structure; faculty; institutional planning and effectiveness; student achievement; educational program structure and content; educational policies, procedures, and practices; library and learning/information resources; academic and student support services; financial and physical resources; and transparency and institutional representation.

Following the submission of the self-study, the college hosted a visiting team of evaluators from peer institutions in October 2023. During the on-site visit, the evaluation team toured the campus, including off-campus instructional sites; met with Trustees, students, faculty, staff, and administrators; and provided feedback on the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The QEP is an integral component of the reaffirmation process and is derived from the institution’s ongoing comprehensive planning and evaluation process. The College’s QEP is titled “Connect for Success,” aiming to improve student success rates and equity through a new team-based advising model.

Dr. Joel D. Welch, President of WPCC, expressed his gratitude and pride in the institution’s achievement: “This reaffirmation by SACSCOC is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our trustees, faculty, staff, and students. It reflects our continuous efforts to maintain academic excellence and support our community’s educational needs.”

WPCC’s next reaffirmation will occur in 2034. The college remains steadfast in its mission to unite with all people in the community to identify and achieve their goals through an innovative, high quality educational experience.