Bellarmine University & Dual Credit: Accreditation, Policies, and Guidelines for School Administrators
Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and maintains full autonomy over its dual credit program and offerings.
According to SACSCOC:
“When an institution has earned accreditation by SACSCOC, it signifies that it has a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that purpose.”
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation is essential for:
- Ensuring courses transfer to other institutions
- Maintaining eligibility for federal financial aid
- Upholding academic integrity and quality across all programs, including dual credit
SACSCOC’s principles and policies apply to all dual enrollment students, courses, and instructional sites without exception.
SACSCOC Dual Credit Compliance: Key Responsibilities
Bellarmine University is responsible for:
- Determining student eligibility for dual credit admission
- Managing the registration process and enrollment policies
- Selecting and approving courses offered as dual credit
- Ensuring compliance with college admissions and academic policies
- Hiring qualified instructors based on credential evaluations
- Maintaining academic rigor by enforcing syllabi, curricula, and student learning outcomes
- Choosing textbooks and learning resources for dual credit courses
- Providing students with instructor evaluations to maintain instructional quality
View the full SACSCOC dual credit policy statement
Offering Dual Credit Courses at High Schools & Off-Campus Locations
SACSCOC requires notification and approval when Bellarmine offers instruction at new off-campus sites. Requirements vary based on how much of a credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) is being delivered at the location:
- Less than 25% of a credential – No notification required.
- 25% to 49% of a credential – The college must submit a notification letter before offering the course.
- 50% to 100% of a credential – The college must submit a detailed prospectus outlining:
- Course content & faculty qualifications
- Library & institutional resources
- Student support services
- Instructional site details
Deadlines: January 1 (for fall courses) | July 1 (for spring courses)
Courses cannot be offered at a new location until the prospectus is approved. Once a site is approved, additional dual credit courses can be offered with a notification letter or an additional prospectus (if the academic credential is not already on Bellarmine’s approved inventory).
Example: The three-credit-hour NAA 100 course leads to a college certificate. If a new site is approved for NAA 100, additional dual credit courses may be offered with appropriate notification.
Important: If a high school requires students to take an online dual credit course in a specific location at a designated time, these rules still apply.
College Oversight of Dual Credit Courses
Since dual credit courses appear on official college transcripts, Bellarmine must ensure they meet the same academic standards as courses offered on campus.
How Bellarmine Maintains Course Integrity:
- Classroom visits by college administrators or faculty
- Review of syllabi & assessments to ensure consistency
- Evaluation of student learning outcomes
Scope & Capacity: Balancing Dual Credit with College Offerings
Bellarmine carefully balances its dual credit offerings with on-campus academic priorities. The ability to offer a dual credit course depends on:
- Scheduling – Can the course fit into the academic calendar?
- Program Relevance – Does the course align with existing Bellarmine programs?
- Instructor Qualifications – Are there credentialed faculty available?
- Facility & Equipment Availability – Are classrooms/labs accessible?
- Administrative Capacity – Can the university effectively manage the course and enrolled students?
By maintaining high standards and collaborating with school districts, Bellarmine ensures that dual credit courses provide students with a seamless and high-quality college experience while meeting all SACSCOC accreditation requirements.