CPHE Accreditation Questions

UNC Charlotte has submitted a letter of intent to seek accreditation through the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a newly formed accrediting body developed by and for public universities, including those in the UNC System. The University has now decided to move forward with seeking CPHE accreditation on an accelerated timeline. UNC Charlotte remains fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

What is the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE)?
The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) is a newly formed accrediting organization created by and for public university systems. It aims to streamline accreditation processes, emphasize student outcomes and ensure peer review by faculty and administrators from other public universities. The UNC System is among the participating systems helping to shape CPHE’s development.

Why is UNC Charlotte pursuing CPHE accreditation?
CPHE offers an opportunity to pursue a model designed specifically for public institutions. It is intended to focus on relevance, efficiency and shared governance while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Joining early allows UNC Charlotte to help shape CPHE’s standards and ensure they align with the values and priorities of our University and other public research universities.

What potential benefits could this bring to UNC Charlotte?
Joining CPHE could offer a more tailored and efficient accreditation process for public universities. Its focus on student outcomes, peer review among public institutions and streamlined reporting could create opportunities to better align accreditation with the work already underway at our University and across the UNC System.

Why is UNC Charlotte pursuing accreditation on an accelerated timeline?

Seeking accelerated accreditation allows UNC Charlotte to repurpose a substantial portion of our most recent accreditation report submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with some updated data. This approach allows the University to make efficient use of work already completed through our most recent SACSCOC review while establishing a new 10-year accreditation cycle if accreditation is granted. Additionally, changes to national accreditation standards are anticipated following the U.S. Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking process earlier this year. Those new requirements are expected to take effect July 1, 2027, and would apply to accreditation reviews and mid-cycle reviews conducted after that date, regardless of the accrediting organization. Moving forward on an accelerated timeline allows UNC Charlotte to complete its CPHE review prior to July 1, 2027, under the current standards.

Does this mean we aren’t accredited by SACSCOC anymore?
No. UNC Charlotte continues to be fully accredited by SACSCOC and will remain so throughout this process. The University will formally request a change in accreditors once CPHE becomes a recognized accreditor, which is expected in late 2027 or early 2028.

Does this affect the accreditation of individual programs, colleges or departments?
No. CPHE accreditation applies only to the University’s institutional accreditation, which is required for eligibility to receive and distribute federal financial aid. Specialized accreditations held by programs, colleges and departments — such as those for business, engineering, architecture, nursing and education — will remain under their existing accrediting agencies and are not impacted by this process.

Is this change required by the UNC System or the State of North Carolina?
Participation in CPHE is optional. Each UNC System institution may decide whether CPHE’s model aligns with its mission and needs. UNC Charlotte’s decision to pursue accelerated accreditation reflects the University’s determination that CPHE provides a viable accreditation option that aligns with its mission and needs.

How long will this process take?
CPHE anticipates becoming federally recognized in late 2027 or early 2028. During that time, UNC Charlotte will continue to hold SACSCOC accreditation and participate in all required reviews and compliance reporting.

What guidelines does UNC Charlotte have for CPHE?
UNC Charlotte has outlined guidelines for how CPHE should operate as part of the exploratory process. Among those most important to us are maintaining transparency, upholding shared governance and academic freedom, and reflecting the political neutrality expected of an accrediting body. The commission’s governance model includes representation from multiple state university systems, which is intended to help ensure balance and broad input as its standards take final shape. Our engagement with CPHE in 2025 and 2026 has shown CPHE as committed to the outlined guidelines.

Will this affect UNC Charlotte’s R1 research status?
No. R1 status is determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which evaluates research activity and doctoral degree production, not accreditation. UNC Charlotte’s R1 designation will not be affected by the CPHE accreditation process.

Does this impact students and financial aid?
There will be no impact on students or their eligibility for federal financial aid. UNC Charlotte’s SACSCOC accreditation remains fully active. Any future change in accreditor would occur only after federal recognition of CPHE and careful transition planning, which would include continuity in students’ financial aid packages.

How will faculty and staff be involved in this process?
Faculty participation is central to both accreditation and shared governance. Members of the UNC System’s Faculty Assembly are part of a multi-system faculty group, Faculty for Responsible Education and Accreditation, who have provided feedback on the draft standards and plan to continue to engage with CPHE. Staff who lead SACSCOC accreditation from UNC Charlotte’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics have already contributed to a working group shaping CPHE’s standards. The Ad Hoc Faculty Advisory Committee on Accreditation members have engaged in this process and provided additional faculty perspective. That Committee is composed of a subset of members of the Faculty Executive Committee of the Faculty Council. They were involved in vetting and providing feedback to CPHE since established in Fall 2025. CPHE has also committed to have faculty representation on peer review committees.

Where can I direct questions about this process?
Questions may be directed to the Office of the Provost at academicaffairs@charlotte.edu or 704-687-5717.