December 7, 2004 TO:    Faculty, Staff and Students FM:    Dr. Guy Riekeman, president RE:    SACS Accreditation Decision      I am extremely pleased and proud to announce that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) announced today that Life University has been granted re-affirmation of its accreditation status. This replaces the probationary status that had been attached to Life for the past two years and puts the University on solid footing with this key accrediting agency. We are absolutely moving forward at full steam. We have accomplished what many have said was impossible and our efforts after this moment will be focused on continuing to build the University into a world class health care educational institution. Over the past months and years we have worked hard to gain the confidence of the Life community, the chiropractic profession and financial stake holders. Now we have succeeded in gaining the confidence of SACS. Reaching this milestone is an accomplishment shared by the entire Life community and is a testament to the dedication, vision, commitment and clarity of purpose shared by the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and students. The decision by SACS to grant re-affirmation of our accreditation status and remove the probationary status following a rigorous and thorough evaluation of our programs and systems, removes the uncertainty surrounding our accreditation that has lingered for the past two years. This decision sends a clear message to all Life University stake holders that the University is committed to high standards and is capable of reaching them. There is no question that attaining this goal would not have been possible without the incredible commitment, dedication and determination of our administrators, faculty and staff. The task before us was Herculean and we rose to the challenge. I am proud to stand with each of you as valued colleagues, and excited about what we will accomplish together as we move forward. We have officially reached the starting line and now it's time to go to work. I look forward to working with you to make Life University an institution of unparalleled quality and visionary leadership. Please plan to join with all employees of the University this Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper gym as we formally acknowledge the work that made this accomplishment possible and learn more about our exciting vision for the future. This assembly immediately follows the mandatory student assembly which will be held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the main gym. All University departments will be closed during this time to ensure that every employee will be able to attend. This meeting will be immediately followed by a reception and opportunity to celebrate our shared success as we close the door on one chapter in the history of Life University and open new avenues to a strong, stable and dynamic future.