The Compliance Certification Report prepared for the reaffirmation of accreditation process for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges presents a snapshot of Nicholls State University on October 7, 2005. It must be noted, however, that any dynamic organization with a drive for continuous improvement is not likely to maintain the snapshot image for long. Such is the case for Nicholls State University, as our focus on continuous improvement engages us in a constant state of rethinking, reshaping, and reforming.

The process for completing this report began over three years ago, and many changes have occurred during this time. As a result, the reader should be aware of these major changes, as some minor inconsistencies in titles and references may be found within the report.

Within the past three years, the following changes have occurred at Nicholls State University:

1.	Appointment of a new President, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Provost, and five new academic deans.
2.	Renaming of Business Affairs to Finance and Administration, and Student Affairs to Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.
3.	Development of a new logo and brand image for the University.
4.	Combining of the Faculty Handbook, Administrative Handbook, and Classified Staff Handbook into one University Policy and Procedure Manual.
5.	Restructuring of Academic Affairs including the creation of University College to replace Junior Division and the creation of the College of Nursing and Allied Health to replace Life Sciences and Technology.
6.	Beginning of a new Strategic Planning Process in spring 2005.
7.	Implementation of new admission requirements for beginning freshmen in fall 2005.