On WASC accreditation NMC urged to implement changes

The Northern Marianas College has been advised to integrate its strategic planning and implementation processes with its resource allocation and distribution to improve its institutional records and establish transparency that will allow open-communication with the whole college community.

This was the primary recommendation offered by the seven-member team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, who recently concluded a four-day accreditation of CNMI’s lone postsecondary institution.

After a thorough review of NMC’s wide course offerings, the WASC delegation also proposed that the college institutionalize a systemic process for evaluating program effectiveness.

“The process should include objective measures, testing performance which can help administrators make decisions to improve programs as well as decisions to terminate programs…and that ability to really analyze what contributes to the success of certain programs,” said the WASC team lead by Dr. Barbara Beno, who delivered an overview of the team’s findings to college officials, staff and students at the NMC campus Friday.

NMC also warned the college to proceed with caution the use of new technology and to exercise more planning before adapting technology-oriented measures as part of its offered services.

Dr. Beno added NMC should acquire more knowledge and determine the full costs of employing technology-based teaching and learning processes.

The team further suggested that the college develop sufficient resources to institutionalize effectiveness efforts, faculty and staff development, more coordination and planning, among others.

But additional recommendations are yet to follow in the form of a written report, according to Dr. Beno.

“This is a fine college but like all other colleges, it certainly has room for improvement. The accreditation is a turning point for this institution…and the future looks bright. There are a number of initiatives and opportunities for you. We wish you well,” Dr. Beno expressed, in behalf of other WASC members.

After the week-long evaluation, the team is now set to draft a report based on the recent visit and its findings which will be sent to NMC President Jack Sablan for review. Mr. Sablan will be tasked to correct any errors of fact contained in the team report.

Once finalized, the report will be sent to both the Junior and Senior WASC commissions. The college is expected to hear accreditation results sometime between January and March of 2001 for its reaffirmation as a two-year college and its application to offer a four-year degree in Elementary Education.

“We want to congratulate you for being the first institution in our western region to seek this very special kind of accreditation,” Dr. Beno told members of the college community.