美国高等教育质量认证的运行模式——以美国南部院校协会(SACS)为例

On Implementation Model of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in America

美国高等教育的质量保障在很大程度上是通过认证来进行的。美国南部院校协会(SACS)作为美国六大地区性认证机构之一,在美国高等教育质量保障体系中发挥着重要作用。总结和分析美国南部院校协会的组织结构、运行机制、认证标准及认证程序,可以为我国高等教育评估和质量保障提供有益的启示。

American higher education quality is ensured through accreditation. As one of the six regional accreditation organizations, South colleges and universities association （SACS） plays an vital role in the American higher education quality assurance system. Higher education quality assurance system in China is still at its early stage. Analysis of the characteristics of SACS can provide inspiration to China. This article mainly discusses the organizational structure, operational mechanism, accreditation standards and accreditation procedure of SACS.