3 WASC officials evaluate NMC accreditation report

Three members from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges met with various officials from Northern Marianas College this week to assess the college’s improvements as NMC attempts to achieve full accreditation 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. The three WASC officials were on island to check the college’s compliance with the report. WASC will decide in January if the college should be accredited. The college remains accredited during this time.

“The visit provided us with an opportunity to present strong evidence of the work put forth by the students, staff, faculty and board members,” NMC president Carmen Fernandez said. “Overall, the visit went well. We look forward to receiving the Commissioner’s decision at the end of January 2009.”

Fernandez said until the report is made republic, she could not comment specifically on any discussions made with the visiting team.

To prepare for the WASC officials, NMC officials continued the work it had set in motion when the college was placed on show cause status, Fernandez said.

NMC has chosen to submit a supplemental report to the accrediting agency in December, she said.

“The supplemental report will describe our continued efforts to meet accreditation standards,” she added.

The WASC visiting team was composed of three members: Dr. Sherril Amador, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges commissioner; Dr. Karen Graham, Accrediting commissioner for Senior Colleges and Universities; and Dr. Steve Maradian, ACCJC.

The team met with Fernandez, members of the NMC Board of Regents; and officials from the college’s various offices.

The WASC officers also met with approximately 200 students, faculty and staff during a general assembly held on Tuesday.

Fernandez said the college still has a lot of work to do.

“There is still much work to do for the December supplemental report, and of course, preparation for the spring 2009 semester,” she said.

“The college doesn’t wait; the work to provide a quality educational experience is never-ending,” she added.