About Spring Arbor University/ Accreditation
All degrees offered by Spring Arbor University are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Elementary, secondary early childhood and graduate education programs offered by the college's education department are approved by the Michigan Department of Education. Additionally, the undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2019 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036. The social work program is accredited with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Questions regarding accreditation may be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Honors
Since 1989 the John Templeton Foundation has recognized Spring Arbor University for its role as a character-building college. The foundation recognizes colleges and universities that, through academic programs, curriculum and faculty, emphasize character building as an integral part of the college experience. "It is an honor for Spring Arbor to be recognized as one of the top character-building academic institutions in the country," said SAU President Gayle D. Beebe. "It serves as a validation of our efforts in creating a Christ-centered learning environment where our students develop academically, morally and spiritually." According to John M. Templeton, Jr., M.D., president of the John Templeton Foundation, "Spring Arbor University was selected based on the strategies they used to strengthen students' moral development, and the evidence of its character-building policies and programs which form an integral part of the college experience."Current Affiliations
Spring Arbor University is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, though it is non-denominational in its admissions and hiring policies. More than twenty denominations are represented in the student body and faculty. Faculty members are dedicated Christians, committed to an open atmosphere of investigation and a life of faith and Christian service.Among its many associations, Spring Arbor University is a member of the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, and the Council of Independent Colleges. With fourteen intercollegiate sports teams, Spring Arbor is also part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and has long been committed to the gender equity principles of Title IX.
