Academic Affairs

The Office of Institutional Assessment and Effectiveness supports the University’s mission, values, and strategic initiatives by providing research, support and coordination in the areas of accreditation and assessment.

The mission will be achieved through:

• Collecting, analyzing, and distributing relevant research.
• Supporting the campus through survey research, both national or campus-wide, (NSSE, Campus and Student Satisfaction Surveys and ad hoc surveys) as well as managing the course evaluation process.
• Coordinating a comprehensive system of Institutional Effectiveness Plans that contribute to the mission and strategic initiatives of the University.
• Providing guidance and research support for the University assessment cycle, individual departmental outcomes, and learning outcomes.
• Consulting with departments, programs, and schools from start to finish on research projects to ensure validity and value of data.
• Guiding and facilitating the process of reaffirmation of accreditation and obtaining new program approval from SACSCOC.
• Closing the assessment loop by facilitating the use of research to make informed decisions and change.
• Overseeing the director of the QEP and ensuring its successful implementation and continuous assessment.

Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us at assessment@stthom.edu.

University of St. Thomas Public Disclosure

The University of St. Thomas is in compliance with the Policy Statement: Institutional Obligations for Public Disclosure issued by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The policy statement obliges the university, “to provide to its students, constituents, and the public information about itself that is complete, accurate, timely, accessible, clear and sufficient.”

UST is further required to provide, “statements of its goals for student achievement and the success of students in achieving those goals. Information on student success may include reliable information in retention, graduation, course completion, licensure examinations, and job placement rates and other measures of student success appropriate to institutional mission.”

The following reports support the SACSCOC policy statement on institutional obligations for public disclosure:

1. Offsite instructional locations at which the university is approved to offer academic instruction
2. Active academic programs with the CIP codes
3. Student achievement data

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact us at assessment@stthom.edu.

The following online programs lead to licensure by the Region 4 Education Service Center:

1. Educational Leadership
2. School Counselor

While many states reciprocate, not all states recognize Texas certification. The School of Education and Human Services houses information that assists in completing documentation particular to the acquisition of certification beyond the state of Texas. 

• List of relevant state agencies

SACSCOC Accreditation Statement

The University of St. Thomas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. The University of St. Thomas also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of St. Thomas may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

All SACSCOC-accredited universities must apply for reaffirmation of accreditation every ten years.

The following programs at UST are accredited:

School of Arts & Sciences

• BS in Biochemistry and Chemistry: American Chemical Society (ACS)
• BS in Cell and Molecular Biology: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

Cameron School of Business

• All Business Programs: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

School of Education and Human Services

• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Peavy School of Nursing

• BSN, MSN, and DNP: Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Address: 

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 887-6791

The University of St. Thomas is a member in good standing of the following organizations and agencies:

• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
• Association of American Colleges and Universities.
• Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.
• Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs.
• Catholic Higher Education Research Cooperative College Board.
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Council of Independent Colleges.
• Council on Undergraduate Research.
• EDUCAUSE
• Excelencia in Education.
• Greater Houston Partnership Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.
• International Council of Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas
• National Association of College and University Attorneys.
• National Association of College and University Business Officers.
• National Association of Financial Aid Administrators.
• National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
• National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III.
• School of Education and Human Services Region 4 Educational Service Center.
• Texas Campus Compact.
• Texas Medical Center.
• Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact us at assessment@stthom.edu.

This Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) aims to cultivate a vibrant Catholic culture within our institution, focusing on its profound impact on building a strong sense of community and fostering positive outcomes for student success. By intertwining Catholic values, traditions, and teachings throughout the university experience, we seek to create an environment that nurtures the holistic development of our students, promoting their personal, academic, and spiritual growth.

Learn more about UST's 2025 QEP - Educating for Purpose (E4P) at the link below.

Learn More