First, this consists of a self-study process within the institution. Second, they have a peer review by a visiting committee. Finally, a final evaluation by the commission is performed. Also, between each audit, there exists at least one unannounced visit. Schools are evaluated on the integrity of educational programs, their educational support services, and their administrative processes.
Education programs consist of things like graduation requirements and faculty credentials.
Support services entails aspects such as library collections and instructional support. Administration ranges from the literal organization of the administration to financial aid. All in all, if institutions do not comply with the demands of their peers in SACS, they may be denied further membership. Membership in SACS allows the public to make the assumption that the school has minimal educational standards according to educators. I feel that accreditation is an essential part of the community college process.