The Ballad of SACS Reaffirmation

A Song Parody to the Tune of "Get Poor Charlie Off the MTA"
 

Inspired by the 1948 lyrics to M.T.A., a song by Jacqueline Steiner and Bess Hawes which was recorded by The Kingston Trio in 1959, this parody was written by Michael Turney, faculty coordinator for SACS reaffirmation at Northern Kentucky University.

The Ballad of SACS Reaffirmation was first performed by Michael Turney and Pat Moynahan, with pre-recorded accompaniment, at First Friday, a faculty/staff reception held in the NKU Ballroom on Jan. 12, 2007.

Performing the ballad at First Friday
Headliners singing

 
NKU's SACS Reaffirmation Main Page
 

 

Let us tell you of the story of SACS accreditation and what it means to you.
To ensure reaffirmation will take cooperation. Here’s what we must do.

[Chorus]

Can we win SACS approval?
Can we get reaffirmed?
Can we show our students have learned?
If we show we’re in compliance and create our QEP,
SACS is certain to say “Reaffirmed.”

 
We’ll appoint some committees and staff them with people willing to do their share.
They’ll do a self-study with details and data to show how much we care.

[Repeat chorus]

 
Next thing we’ll do is plan for the future in the form of a Q-E-P.
This heavy-duty promise to improve student learning won’t come eas-i-ly.

[Repeat chorus]

 
In the spring of ought-nine, SACS sends in its team to check and review our plan.
We’ll show them around, respond to their questions, and show them we understand.

[Repeat chorus]

 
Once reports are all read and reviewers gone home, the process draws to a close.
The final decision is announced in December and we'll come out smelling like a rose.

Will we be reaffirmed?
Yes, we’ll be reaffirmed.
And reaffirmation is grand.
Yes, we’ll be reaffirmed. We will be reaffirmed.
We’re among the best in the land.

Accompaniment by Bobby Fisher, music director of St. Agnes Church (Ft. Wright, Kentucky).

 
 
  Sometimes you just have to make your own kind of music.  

Return to Michael Turney's home page