Recently, questions have been raised about accreditation at Jackson State University. This information is intended to address as many of these questions as possible. If you have additional questions that are not clarified in this document, please email Shemeka McClung ([email protected]).

1) What is the mission of Jackson State University? The mission of Jackson State University, an HBCU and comprehensive urban research university, is to provide quality teaching, research and service at the baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels to diverse populations of students and communities using various modalities to ensure that they are technologically-advanced, ethical, global leaders who think critically and can address societal problems and compete effectively.

2) How are units at Jackson State University organized?

President’s Office Division of Academic Affairs Vice President for Student Success & Chief of Staff Division of Athletics Division of Finance Administration Division of General Counsel Division of Institutional Advancement & External Affairs Jackson State University Campus Wide

3) Who accredits Jackson State University? When was JSU initially accredited? What are the previous and current actions?

Jackson State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Jackson College was first granted accreditation in 1948. It was last reaffirmed in 2011 and its next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2021.

4) How should the accreditation statement read on all official publications for Jackson State University?

Jackson State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, specialists, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Jackson State University.

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5) What are academic degree programs and how many are there at Jackson State university?

A degree program is a course of study with a prescribed set of requirements which a student must complete. It is identified by a specific degree title and a specific major subject matter area. The name of the major must reflect accurately the skills, competencies, and knowledge to be attained in the course of studies.

There are 93 active academic degree programs at Jackson State University. These include 45 bachelors, 34 masters, 1 specialist, and 13 doctorate programs. Jackson State University is also approved to offer nine certificate programs.

6) Are branch campuses, online programs, distance learning programs, and instructional sites included in the grant of accreditation to an institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)?

SACSCOC accredits the entire institution, including off-campus instructional sites. (branch campuses, online programs, distance learning programs, and instructional sites).

7) What is a branch campus?

A branch campus is an instructional site located geographically apart and independent of the main campus of the institution. A location is independent of the main campus if the location is (1) permanent in nature, (2) offers courses in educational programs leading to a degree, diploma, certificate, or other recognized educational credential, (3) has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization, and (4) has its own budgetary and hiring authority. All branch campuses related to the parent campus through corporate or administrative control must (1) include the name of the parent campus and make it clear that its accreditation is dependent on the continued accreditation of the parent campus and (2) be evaluated during reviews for institutions seeking candidacy, initial membership, or reaffirmation of accreditation.

8) What is a main campus?

An institution’s main campus is the street address used for the institution as a whole. The main campus is typically the campus where the central administrative offices are located.

9) What is an off campus instructional site?

An off-campus instructional site is a teaching site located geographically apart from the main campus. A site at which an institution provides electronic delivery and where students go to access the support services needed is also considered an off-campus instructional site. The site is not independent of the institution’s main campus.

10) Does JSU have branch campuses?

Jackson State University has no branch campuses.

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11) Does JSU have off-campus instructional sites?

Jackson State University has four off campus instructional sites. These include JSU Downtown 101 Capitol Centre (101 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS), JSU E-Center (1230 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS), JSU-Medical Mall (350 West Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS), and JSU- Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Drive, Jackson, MS).

12) For reaffirmation purposes, how many years of data (documentation) should our institution include?

In consultation with our reaffirmation consulting partners, Jackson State University has chosen to use the most recent three years of data to include academic years 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020.

13) Where can we find data on student outcome measures?

Student Outcomes measures can be found at http://www.jsums.edu/institutionalresearch/student-outcomes/ or http://websites.one.jsums.edu/sacscoc/index.php/resources/jackson-state-resources/.

14) What are the three most recent graduation rates and how are they measured?

Graduation rates at Jackson State University are based on a first-time, full-time cohort of students. Students’ graduation rates are measured on completion of an undergraduate degree in 6 years (150%) or less granted from the entering institution.

Jackson State University Cohor Graduation 2010t Rates38% 2011 34% 2012 34% 2013 43%

15) What are the three most recent retention rates and how are they measured?

Retention rates at Jackson State University are based on a first-time, full-time cohort of students. Students’ retention rates are measured on the number of students entering the institution in the fall and returning one year later during the subsequent fall.

Jackson State University Cohort Returned Percentage Fall 2016 1281 784 61% Fall 2017 925 493 53% Fall 2018 825 637 77%

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16) What are the peer institutions to Jackson State University and how were they chosen?

Jackson State University has chosen the following institutions as peer institutions: Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Tennessee State University, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas Southern, and University of New Orleans.

These institutions were chosen as peers based on its status as an academic institution, level of the institution at 4 or more years, Title IV eligibility, and participation in Title IV federal financial aid programs.

17) What are the aspirational institutions to Jackson State University?

Jackson State University has chosen the following institutions as aspirational institutions: Georgia State University, University of Louisville, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, University of Southern Mississippi, and Wayne State University.

These institutions were chosen as aspirational based on its status as an academic institution, level of the institution at 4 or more years, Title IV eligibility, participation in Title IV federal financial aid programs, and Carnegie classification: High and Very High Research Activity.

18) What student completion indicator did Jackson State University choose for calculating graduation rates?

Jackson State University has chosen to use the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) total 6- year completion rate as its student completion indicator for graduation rate.

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