2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

GENERAL INFORMATION 9
At the session of the North Alabama Conference held at Tuscaloosa in November 1896,
work was begun toward establishing a college within the bounds of this conference. In
the fall of 1897, the foundation for the first building was laid in Birmingham. In April
1898, a president was elected and a faculty was chosen and organized. The Conference
then surrendered its interest in Southern University and, in September 1898, the North
Alabama Conference College (later named Birmingham College) opened its doors to
students.
For twenty years, the two colleges were maintained by the Methodists of Alabama.
Finally, on May 30, 1918, through their appointed commissioners, the two conferences
consolidated these institutions under the name of Birmingham-Southern College. With no
loss of time from the regular work at either place, the consolidation was effected, and the
new institution opened its doors in Birmingham on September 11, 1918. Since that time,
Birmingham-Southern College has grown rapidly and is now a fully accredited institution
in every way.
Birmingham-Southern College has consistently sought academic distinction. In 1937, its
standards were recognized by the nation’s leading academic honor society, Phi Beta
Kappa, which granted the College a charter to establish Beta of Alabama.
The College continues to pursue academic distinction, but not academic distinction
alone. The founders insisted that excellent scholarship prepared young people for a life of
service. Southern University’s first president, William M. Wightman, put it this way to
the second graduating class: “The great point to be considered is, not so much what you
shall get, as much as what you shall become—what you shall do to bless your
generation.” Birmingham-Southern College remains committed to that ideal.
ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS
Birmingham-Southern College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master’s
degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Birmingham-Southern College 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).
The College is also accredited by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.
Programs of the College are accredited and/or approved by the following organizations:
Alabama State Department of Education
American Chemical Society
National Association of Schools of Music
The College holds membership in the following organizations:
American Association of University Women
American Council on Education
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024