Accreditation team to look at local support

By Marian A. Maraya

Staff Reporter

Representatives from both the Junior and Senior Commissions of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges are set to conduct this week a thorough assessment of the Northern Marianas College’s status as postsecondary learning institution based on a 320-page study the college has developed for the past year and a half.

Apart from the educational programs and services offered by NMC, a two-year accredited college since 1985, School of Education Dean Chas J. Algaier said one vital element the accreditation committee looks at is the amount of support the college draws from the community.

Mr. Algaier qualified “community” as a broad entity that includes government, schools, private organizations, and other groups.

“For instance, WASC looks at financial support. Is the commitment of the state behind the institution? Is there strong financial assistance from the government? The team would place this high among other factors they have to consider because current support indicates future support,” said Mr. Algaier.

Meanwhile, the accreditation team comprised of at least three members from the senior commission and six representatives from the junior commission are set to conduct a preliminary visit tomorrow lead by team Chair Dr. Barbara Beno, Asst. Vice Chancellor at the San Mateo Community College District.

The whole college community has its fingers crossed as it undergoes a two-fold accreditation process unique for an institution of its size.

NMC Accreditation Liaison Officer and Dean of Instruction Dr. Barbara G. Moir said it is the first time any community college in the whole western region has attempted to secure a license to offer four-year degree programs as a two-year accredited institution.

NMC has submitted an application to establish a four-year baccalaureate program in Elementary Education in efforts to help CNMI produce it’s own teachers, as well as seek reaffirmation as a two-year college.

“This vision to create a four-year program really came from our former president Agnes McPhetres. She had the vision of a two-year institution, offering a four-year degree program. Looking back, this plan reflects the main purpose of NMC from the very beginning. . .in 1981 when NMC was founded to primarily serve as a teacher training institution,” said Mr. Algaier.

Furthermore, NMC English Instructor P. Vincent Riley said the college is not ruling out plans to develop other four-year degree courses in the future.

According the commission, if the college should decide to expand its offerings at the baccalaureate level to additional programs, it would have to move to sole accreditation under the senior commission.

“We’re very confident that we will succeed. We have really put a lot of work into it. We have well-prepared programs assessed by outside experts, we have a dedicated staff. I would be shocked and surprised if the results don’t end up in our favor,” said Mr. Algaier.