Date: June 10, 2003

RE: SACS Readiness Audit

Dear Sue:

As you are aware, our SACS Compliance Certification is due August 15, 2005. In order to complete this report, the University must affirm that it meets specified accreditation principles and maintains documentation on file to demonstrate compliance.

In an effort to "find and fix" any areas which are not in compliance, the SACS Leadership team is asking you to help us assess our current standing by completing segments of a Readiness Audit that pertain to your position and/or expertise here at NSU. We believe you are a valuable resource for determining our current standing with these principles and for providing us with the appropriate documentation. We also believe you can provide us with recommendations to "fix" our situation if you determine we are not in compliance. PLEASE NOTE: This is an INTERNAL audit and these results will be used for our purposes only. Therefore, we encourage you to be candid with your statements. Also note, however, that this audit is not a mechanism for making a "wish list" of items or actions that you would like to occur, but are not necessary for SACS compliance.

Attached is a copy of the guidelines for completing this audit, along with the readiness audit template referencing the SACS principle(s) you should address and the team leader(s) to whom you will report. You may also have in your packet a copy of the compliance audit that was completed by Eastern Tennessee or Texas A&M during their last reaffirmation process - this may be used as a model to help guide your efforts in completing this audit.

Carefully read the guidelines for completing the audit. The team leader listed on your report will help you find answers to any questions you may have. We are confident you will conscientiously review the processes and documentation which exist to support the designated principles of accreditation, and thoroughly complete the audit. This Readiness Audit will then provide a basic foundation for completing the official Compliance Certification that we send to SACS in 2005. We are asking that you complete these reports by October 20, 2003 and submit them to your designated team leader in electronic form. Also be sure to keep an electronic copy for yourself so it can be used to complete the formal report that we submit to SACS in 2005.

Thank you so much for your time and effort, and please don't hesitate to call or e-mail your team leaders or me should you have any questions or comments regarding this audit process.

Respectfully,

Laynie Pizzolatto,
SACS Coordinator
Mnmk-abp; Ext. 4174