NMC expects to entice students from all over Micronesia

Making history as the first junior college in the Pacific to be granted initial accreditation to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, the Northern Marianas College is eyed to serve as a training hub for the region’s aspiring teachers.

College officials led by president Jack Sablan yesterday broached on the merits of the college’s new and unique accreditation status as confirmed by both the senior and junior commissions of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

NMC Dean of Instruction and Accreditation Liaison Barbara Moir particularly cited an apparently growing demand of students from outside the Commonwealth who have expressed interest to pursue a four-year Education degree with the college, a campus within easy reach especially for students in the Western Pacific region.

“I have heard that some of the other institutions in the region have been anxiously awaiting the outcome of this accreditation application on the part of NMC for this baccalaureate program. The unofficial feedback is that there are many students in this region who are interested in coming to the Commonwealth to enter the program,” Dr. Moir told reporters during a press conference held at NMC yesterday.

She added that in addition to the large population of Micronesian students the college currently serves, this number may grow further due to the new baccalaureate program in Education.

NMC’s recent accomplishment speaks highly of the college as an institution that is capable and worthy of supporting a baccalaureate program in the teaching field, Dr. Moir further noted.

“We have been accredited as an institution that has resources, facilities, and staffing to be able to support the program. Although these are two separate accrediting statuses, they’re very complimentary and they reflect the entire institution,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sablan attributed NMC’s freshly-attained success to the entire NMC community particularly to former president Agnes M. McPhetres, self study chair Vince Riley, co chair Chas Algaier, and numerous individuals instrumental in the landmark accomplishment.

Acting Dean of Education Sally Sablan also echoed sentiments aired by other officials, adding that the commendations NMC received from WASC was a result of a collective effort by many individuals within and outside the college.

“I want to reaffirm the importance of our presence here in the CNMI in regards to providing the Public School System and private schools with students that are from our islands that truly know and have worked with children here in the CNMI. And that is the strength of our program, we have sound educational program for students in the CNMI that is on their native island,” said Ms. Sablan.

By the 2001 fall semester, NMC is set to offer the Bachelor’s Degree program in Education.

“We feel that there’s great potential that NMC is going to be providing more accessibility to higher education for the residents here in the CNMI, as well as the region of Micronesia. With the economic conditions of the islands right now, I am sure that a lot of kids and parents will be considering to attend NMC because it will be a lot more cost effective. This is a monumental achievement,” said Director of Alumni Relations Tony Deleon Guerrero.

It was only last week that WASC approved NMC’s application to offer a four-year course in Education.

The WASC Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities hailed NMC’s efforts in applying for the unique accreditation status, being the first junior college in the Pacific to brave the Pilot Joint Accreditation Program.

The process opened NMC to simultaneous scrutiny conducted by both junior and senior commissions on its two-year associate degrees as well as its baccalaureate program application.

WASC Executive Director Ralph A. Wolff commended NMC for undertaking the challenge of seeking to retain its character as a community college and simultaneously obtaining approval from the Senior Commission to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Education.