Hiwassee College has received candidacy accreditation status as a Category II institution with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). The Tuesday action by the federally approved accrediting body authorizes Hiwassee to grant associate and baccalaureate degrees, the college said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.

The action provides recognized status retroactive to the beginning of the fall 2009 semester, according to Hiwassee College. 

All new members of TRACS are first awarded status as a candidate.  During the candidacy period, colleges enjoy full rights and benefits as they are monitored to assure continued strength and compliance with accreditation standards.  A college must achieve full membership within five years.

Accreditation affirms the quality of a college and its academic program, and ensures transferability of credits to other quality institutions. Candidate status indicates that an institution is in basic compliance with the Standards of Accreditation, has been evaluated by on-site peer teams, and in the professional judgment of the evaluation teams and the Accreditation Commission, provides quality instruction and student services. Reaching this status makes Hiwassee students eligible for the benefits of accreditation. Accreditation is a vehicle for institutional self-improvement and to assure the quality of the education provided.

National and regional accreditation recognizes institutions that meet rigorous and demanding standards of excellence in education. Accreditation assures that the institution operates a quality academic program on a sound financial basis, employs qualified instructors, and maintains adequate facilities and equipment.

TRACS review teams visited campus in February as well as in September.   The team reports commended Hiwassee College for providing student services that enhance the educational, social, spiritual, moral and physical development of the student.

"We have been working to achieve accreditation with TRACS since January of 2008," said Hiwassee President Dr. Jim Noseworthy.  "Throughout our relationship, I have been impressed with the integrity of the association and its review process.  Their standards are high and clear. Their approach is supportive, and they understand the mission of Church-related colleges such as Hiwassee."

TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

Hiwassee College is listed by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church. The senate is an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.  The college also is chartered by the State of Tennessee.

Hiwassee College had lost accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2008 after losing a federal court battle and appeal against SACS after the accrediting body voted to strip the school of its accreditation in late 2004.

Hiwassee had remained accredited through SACS while the court battle was waged for nearly four years.

After losing its accreditation through SACS, the college saw its enrollment dramatically fall, but enrollment grew more than 20 percent to 140 this fall.

Founded in 1849, Hiwassee College is a residential liberal arts college associated with The United Methodist Church, providing quality education for all students in an atmosphere that promotes intellectual pursuit, spiritual growth, and social and personal responsibility.

President Noseworthy will host a cookout for the college community on Friday, Nov. 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m.  He will make a statement to the community and be available for the press at 1 p.m.