WSSU correcting four SACS cites

Winston-Salem State has taken steps to correct the areas that were cited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accrediting agency in March.

The eight-member team examined the University in several aspects to determine its accreditation status.

WSSU was cited in four areas: not publishing information in the undergraduate catalog; two issues within financial aid; and faculty competence.

The administration has taken note and already begun to address these issues.

Correcting them include placing the SACS logo and the five general education outcomes in the undergraduate catalog, ensuring that the courses professors teach are within their discipline and a full report from the Financial Aid Office.

"We have taken actions to comply with all SACS requirements," said Senior Associate Provost Merdis McCarter.

In terms of academe, WSSU fared well, even garnering a mark of distinction for Rams Write, a program implemented  by the University's Quality Enhancement Program.

"We will not know what action SACS has taken on our response to the areas of noncompliance until the annual meeting in December 2010."

The Financial Aid Office staff was unavailable for comment.

The areas which received citations were just a portion of what the SACS representatives were looking for.

QEP:  Rams Write

In 2007, the University was introduced to Rams Write, a five-year plan to improve writing in the majors.

This initiative was originally set forth by the QEP, and after two years of training faculty and staff, 2010 marks the genesis of Rams Write's five-year journey.

Pamela Simmons, the new QEP director, and her staff have worked to get the students involved as much as possible.

Their achievements are reflected through the high marks received from SACS.

"There are very few [HBCU's] reaching this level of achievement," Simmons said.

Rams Write's goal is to remain compliant within the SACS as well as assist in WSSU's reaffirmation process.

QEP is targeting both junior and senior levels of writing, but would eventually like to implement the program at the developmental level.

"Everyone has the ability to write," Simmons said.

During the spring semester, the administration made efforts to promote Rams Write as much as possible.

This included posting advertisements around campus, giving out gifts for students who actively participated, and even erected a banner in the breezeway of the Thompson Center.  

Their efforts have not gone in vain.

According to the assistant QEP director Tanya Walker, there have already been signs of positive results.

"I have seen improvements in student's writing, particularly because of the clarity of the assignment sheets the students are now receiving, clarity in instruction, and a better grasp of the content," Walker said.

She also said that the outlook of the five year plan is "optimistic" and encourages all majors to utilize the new writing center.

Students who have difficulty with their writing skills may visit the Language Arts Center, located in the Hauser building, for assistance.