Summer Institute

About the Institute

The Summer Institute is designed for participants to:

  • enhance their understanding of select standards from the SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation through case studies and exercises involving interpretation and analysis
  • prepare for the development and assessment of a Quality Enhancement Plan
  • learn effective strategies for improving assessment practices that demonstrate compliance with SACSCOC Principles

This year, the Summer Institute will have a new format, following the extensive review of years of participant feedback.  The re-visioned Summer Institute will be a curated learning experience organized into five designated Tracks, each with a specific focus on content which participants will choose at the time of registration.  Previous years’ plenary sessions and series of optional breakout sessions have been replaced by Track “workshop-style” sessions featuring defined learning outcomes, in-depth discussions and activities, and planned pre-readings/assignments to more fully engage attendees. 

The content within each Track will be facilitated by an accomplished group of peer instructors with expertise in the Track’s focus and/or years of experience serving as evaluators/chairs of SACSCOC review committees. Selected by SACSCOC staff, the peer instructors have led well-received sessions at the Annual Meeting and/or Summer Institute and will be contributing to the development of a syllabus for each Track to ensure an intentional learning experience for all participants.  SACSCOC staff will also be in attendance to contribute to discussions as needed.

Participation in the Summer Institute is limited to SACSCOC applicant, candidate, and member institutions.  While there are no restrictions on the number of participants from a single institution, no more than 1,000 participants will be able to attend.

2023 Summer Institute

The 2023 Summer Institute will be held July 16–19, 2023 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX.

Conference and Registration Details  (Registration now open.)

Volunteer at the Summer Institute!

Stepping up to volunteer at the Summer Institute is a fun way to network with colleagues from other institutions while having a unique perspective on the participant experience.  It’s also a great step towards learning more about the behind-the-scenes work to successfully host a SACSCOC conference. The required commitment and responsibilities are small, and the rewards are great.

Summer Institute Volunteer Session Monitors will be responsible for assisting presenters and attendees with tasks such as handing out presentation materials, communicating session issues via text message, and pointing participants toward frequently accessed areas and information. Volunteers should be flexible and willing to serve as greeters, ushers, and in other roles as needed.

We are seeking SACSCOC’s most dedicated institutional representatives to serve as Session Monitors on Monday, July 17 & Tuesday, July 18 from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm (including lunch and two breaks). We prefer volunteers able to serve a full day both days but will gladly accept those available for half-day shifts as well. To volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form. For questions, please email dwalker@sacscoc.org.

If you have any questions, please contact us at institute@sacscoc.org.

Materials from Previous Institutes

Future Institutes

  • July 21-24, 2024, New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans, LA
  • July 19-22, 2025, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL