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NMC preparing for WASC’s decision
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Posted on Dec 19 2008
The Northern Marianas College is continuing its effort to be removed from show-cause status, as it prepares for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to make a decision in January.
Earlier this year, WASC ordered NMC to provide reasons—or “show cause”—why the college’s accreditation should not be terminated. The show cause order set a timeline for NMC to submit reports to the accrediting agency. The college submitted a report to the agency in October; in November three WASC members visited the campus.
NMC has decided to submit a supplemental report to WASC before Dec. 31. The report will add more information on how NMC has been meeting the accreditation requirements.
The school also is in the final stages of completing NMC’s Institutional Excellence Guide, said NMC president Carmen Fernandez. The guide is a comprehensive document that details the school’s shared governance structure, planning and budgeting process, and program review and assessment.
Everyone at the school is involved in NMC’s accreditation efforts, Fernandez said.
“We have been continuing the work we had set in motion when the College was placed on show case status,” she said. “Faculty, staff, students, and board members have been hard at work doing their part in meeting accreditation requirements. We’re already in the midst of the next program review cycle. We have secured financial commitments from the legislature and other funding agencies, and we are stepping up professional development training for staff.”
WASC will make their decision in January.
