*Sent on behalf of Provost Jerold Hale and Cindy Williamson, Director of Assessment and SACSCOC Liaison

UTC has a new Office of Accreditation and Assessment (OAA)! This change is part of UTC's response to SACSCOC feedback during their on-site visit earlier this year. While there will be different reporting lines, there will be no change in resources allocated to the departments. This separation from OPEIR allows intentional focus toward accreditation and assessment, as OAA will guide assessment processes that create accountability for the achievement of goals for all units at UTC, including learning outcomes for each academic program. Through OAA's work, a systematic culture of assessment will be built that demonstrates UTC's academic strength and progress to accrediting agencies. The accreditation and assessment processes, along with UTC's continued academic growth, align with the institution's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values. OAA will also manage and facilitate the institutional outcomes assessment processes, coordinate academic program reviews, and support necessary data collection related to THEC Quality Assurance Funding and SACSCOC accreditation processes. Data-informed decision-making is at the core of OAA's efforts. The UTC Testing Center is also part of OAA, as it provides students and the Chattanooga community with opportunities for admissions, college credit, and licensure/certification testing. The UTC Testing Center administers both individual and group standardized examinations to enrolled students and residents of the region.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please visit the OAA website<https://www.utc.edu/oaa> or contact Dr. Cindy Williamson<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Director of OAA and SACSCOC Liaison.



Thank you,



Jerold L. Hale, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Cindy Williamson, Director of Assessment and SACSCOC Liaison