ACCREDITING BODY SACSCOC AFFIRMS NEW COLLEGE’S COMPLIANCE WITH PRINCIPLES OF ACCREDITATION

SARASOTA, Fla. — New College of Florida is in receipt of two letters, dated December 14, 2023, from President Belle S. Wheelan of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), affirming New College is in compliance with the Principles of Compliance set forth by the accrediting body.

SACSCOC had previously inquired with New College on Sept. 7, Sept. 25, and Oct. 2 for explanations of institutional mission, mission review, board/administrative distinction, academic freedom, academic governance, and hiring practices. These inquiries were the result of unsolicited accusations submitted to SACSCOC by third parties.

Statement from New College President Richard Corcoran on the letters:

“New College provided extensive documentation to demonstrate our compliance with the Principles of Accreditation. This administration has been ethically grounded in running the College since Day One and has never wavered in its commitment to supporting our students, hiring talented and qualified people, and pursuing a mission to become the best liberal arts institution in America. While we understand the obligation SACSCOC had to look into the information they were provided, we are glad to move beyond this inquiry and put the matter to rest.”

The letters from SACSCOC can be reviewed online:

• SACSCOC letter relating to Sept. 7 inquiry.
• SACSCOC letter relating to the September 25 and Oct. 2 inquiry.