Fernandez: I stand strong for NMC students

After weeks of evading questions about issues and concerns raised against her, Northern Marianas College president Dr. Carmen Fernandez finally broke her silence on Friday, saying she derives her strength from her students.

Fernandez, who has been criticized by some of the college’s faculty and staff and was recently cited as among the reasons why a former regent resigned, indicated her willingness to “resolve” all issues besetting NMC.

“I stand strong because of my love for our students and I will always stand strong for the benefit of the students and of this institution. I am here to do everything I can do to help ensure that we get reaffirmed, maintain our accreditation, and ensure that the CNMI has an institution of higher education that we can be proud of,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Fernandez admitted feeling sad for students who are suffering the consequences of all the issues being raised against NMC.

“I feel really bad all these events are occurring because ultimately it hurts our students. Everyone must consider the harm being inflicted on our students,” she said.

It was reported Friday to the Board of Regents, through Associated Students of NMC president Ivan Mereb, that students are deeply concerned and worried about the “trust and confidence” issues facing the president and the college as a whole.

Fernandez said her management continues to adhere to its mission of “Students First.”

Is the current situation at the college still manageable? “We just have to do our best and do what’s right for our students given any situation,” Fernandez said.

Comes April 1, a final report has to be submitted to the accrediting commission, which will decide the college’s fate in June.

Despite the many distractions, Fernandez said they are working well on the report, which is now in draft form. “We already drafted the report and next week, we will continue to focus on adding more evidence on actions that we’ve taken. We’re also preparing for the team visit,” she said.

The report focuses on linking the college’s program review, planning and the budget process, she added.

As for the resignation of former regent Agnes McPhetres, Fernandez is convinced that the board acted in the best interest of NMC and students.

“I believe that the board acted on the best way [they saw it] with the understanding of the situation and in considering the accreditation standards,” she said.

Last Monday, Saipan Tribune learned that a grievance was filed with the management—an issue Fernandez refused to comment on, citing the confidentiality of personnel records.

Informed about the attendance and participation of three lawmakers in a recent “secret” assembly of some faculty and administrators, Fernandez believes that she still has the trust, confidence and support of Reps. Heinz Hofschneider, Diego Benavente, and Ralph Torres.

Fernandez refused to comment when pressed if she believes there is “smear campaign” against her.

“There were no formal grievances filed. However, I have communicated with the management team and the entire NMC community, saying I am open to all of them. I instructed the management team that if there are issues of concern they must address them at their levels. Our goal is to reach a resolution to these concerns and come to an understanding,” she said.

The president emphasized that NMC has established policies and procedures to adjudicate concerns of employees and these policies allow for conflicts to be resolved at the lowest levels.

NMC, she said, will continue to practice it, in support of the policies of the board and in respect to the accreditation standards, which dictate that NMC must have these types of procedures in place.