Accreditation Statement

The University of Tennessee Southern is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and masters degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Tennessee Southern may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACS-COC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Tennessee Southern is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The Teacher Education Program is accredited by the State of Tennessee Department of Education.

The three-fold purpose for publishing the Commission’s address and contact number in the above accreditation statement is to enable interested constituents: 1) to learn about the accreditation status of the University; 2) to file a third- party comment at the time of the institution’s decennial review; or 3) to file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the University and not to the Commission’s office.

The University is an affirmative action institution and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its admission policy, education policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, employment practices, or activities.

Consumer information and federally-mandated student right-to-know statistics are published in the University of Tennessee Southern Student Handbook available from the Office of Campus Life.

The University reserves the right to change the rules regulating admission to the institution and any other regulations or requirements affecting the student body or the granting of degrees. The University also reserves the right to withdraw courses, to change its calendar, and to alter charges and fees as conditions may require. Such changes shall go into force whenever the proper authorities may determine and shall apply not only to prospective students but also to those who may, at such time, be matriculated in the University. The University further reserves the right to refuse to release to any student a transcript, grade report, or degree for failure to return University property or to pay any accounts due the University.

It is the policy of the University that no otherwise qualified parallel handicapped individuals be discriminated against on the basis of their physical or mental handicap, as covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in admission to the University. All programs are open to all regularly admitted students without regard to handicap. In the event that a student is enrolled in a course that is not accessible, the course will be moved to a location that will be accessible to handicapped students. Any student, employee, or job applicant who has a complaint or grievance regarding this matter should contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the University of Tennessee Southern and the student. The University reserves the right to change any provision or requirement listed in the Catalog at any time. A corrected copy for changes and/or for the 2023-2024 catalog is found in the online version, www.utsouthern.edu/academics/registrars-office. All changes for the 2023-2024 academic year will be made by October 1, 2023.