Accreditation Policy

I. PURPOSE

This Policy establishes the legal, regulatory, and quality-assurance framework through which Atlas University, Inc. maintains full compliance with the laws of the State of Florida, the expectations of recognized accrediting agencies, and the best practices of American higher education.

Compliance is understood not merely as obligation but as worshipful stewardship—the outward sign of inward integrity. Accreditation and regulation are instruments for the public demonstration of excellence, transparency, and accountability before both God and society.

II. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

  1. Atlas University is incorporated as a nonprofit educational corporation under Chapter 617, Florida Statutes.

  2. Postsecondary authorization and degree-granting rights fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education (CIE), in accordance with Rule 6E-2, Florida Administrative Code.

  3. Federal recognition activities are guided by U.S. Department of Education regulations (34 CFR Part 600 et seq.) and Title IV readiness standards.

  4. All operations also conform to applicable federal laws, including:

    • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

    • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

    • The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA)

    • The Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3) for nonprofit status

III. OFFICE OF ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE

1. Appointment and Authority

The Registrar and Director of Compliance serves as the University’s chief compliance officer, reporting jointly to the President and the Board of Trustees.

2. Responsibilities

  • Maintain current licensure with the Florida CIE.

  • Serve as liaison to all accrediting bodies.

  • Coordinate institutional self-studies and site visits.

  • Monitor adherence to academic, financial, and administrative standards.

  • Maintain regulatory calendars, filings, and archives.

  • Train faculty and staff annually on compliance responsibilities.

3. Reporting

The Compliance Office provides quarterly updates to the Executive Council and an annual Compliance Assurance Report to the Board.

IV. STATE AUTHORIZATION

  1. Initial Licensure: Atlas University shall maintain continuous authorization from the Florida CIE to offer postsecondary degree programs within the state.

  2. Renewal: Licensure renewal will occur every two years or as required by the CIE, contingent upon submission of annual reports, audited financial statements, and updated catalogs.

  3. Physical Presence: All instructional locations, administrative offices, and marketing activities in Florida will remain consistent with CIE regulations.

  4. Out-of-State Activities: Online or distance programs offered to non-Florida residents shall comply with relevant State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) or individual state laws.

V. ACCREDITATION STRATEGY

Atlas University pursues a multi-stage pathway toward full academic accreditation while preserving its theological autonomy.

Stage 1 — Foundation (Years 1–2)

  • Achieve and maintain full Florida CIE licensure.

  • Complete institutional policies, faculty handbooks, and assessment systems (as contained in this charter).

  • Conduct inaugural self-study aligned with regional accreditation criteria.

Stage 2 — Candidate Status (Years 3–4)

  • Apply for candidacy with a recognized faith-based or regional accrediting body (e.g., TRACS, ABHE, or SACSCOC, depending on program alignment).

  • Demonstrate financial stability, qualified faculty, and systematic assessment.

  • Host preliminary site visit and implement feedback.

Stage 3 — Full Accreditation (Years 5–6)

  • Achieve full accreditation recognition.

  • Publish annual institutional-effectiveness reports and audited financial statements.

  • Seek reciprocal recognition with international Christian and professional accreditation councils.

VI. QUALITY ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK

Atlas University maintains continuous Institutional Effectiveness (IE) through a cyclical process of assessment, planning, implementation, and review.

  1. Mission Alignment Review – All policies and programs measured against the institutional motto and outcomes.

  2. Program Assessment – Each Academy conducts annual reviews of curriculum, learning outcomes, and student achievement.

  3. Administrative Assessment – All non-academic units evaluate performance metrics and customer service outcomes.

  4. Data Integrity – Enrollment, retention, and graduation statistics validated each term by the Registrar.

  5. Annual IE Report – Compiled by the Provost and submitted to the Board and accrediting bodies.

VII. FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE

  1. Audited Statements: Independent CPA audits completed annually and submitted to the Florida CIE and accrediting bodies.

  2. Financial Ratios: The University maintains positive net-asset and liquidity ratios meeting or exceeding accreditor thresholds.

  3. Title IV Readiness: Should federal aid participation be sought, Atlas University will develop compliant financial-aid administration systems, refund policies, and default-prevention plans.

VIII. ACADEMIC COMPLIANCE

  1. Faculty Credentials: All faculty hold credentials consistent with accreditor requirements—normally one degree level above the course taught.

  2. Curriculum Approval: All new courses and programs approved through the Academic Senate, Provost, President, and Board.

  3. Credit Hour Policy: One credit hour represents approximately 15 contact hours plus appropriate independent learning.

  4. Student Records: Maintained in accordance with FERPA and institutional retention schedules.

  5. Catalog Accuracy: The University Catalog is updated annually; no false or misleading statements are permitted.

IX. STUDENT CONSUMER INFORMATION

Atlas University shall publish, both digitally and in print:

  • Admissions and graduation requirements

  • Tuition and fee schedules

  • Refund and withdrawal policies

  • Financial-aid disclosures (when applicable)

  • Campus safety reports

  • Nondiscrimination statement

  • Accreditation and licensure status

X. LEGAL AND ETHICAL COMPLIANCE

  1. Nondiscrimination: Atlas University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, while exercising its religious right to require adherence to its faith statement.

  2. Accessibility: All facilities and online resources meet or exceed ADA accessibility standards.

  3. Whistleblower Protection: Employees or students who report violations are protected from retaliation.

  4. Records Disclosure: FERPA-compliant procedures ensure confidentiality and controlled access to student records.

XI. EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION

All correspondence with government agencies, accreditors, or the public regarding the University’s licensure or accreditation shall be conducted solely through the President or the Director of Compliance.
Misrepresentation of accreditation status is strictly prohibited and constitutes cause for termination.

XII. PERIODIC REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

This Policy shall be reviewed annually by the Compliance Office and updated as regulatory requirements evolve. Substantive revisions require approval by the President and ratification by the Board of Trustees.