House education committee sets hearing with NMC’s Fernandez

The chairman of the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, Rep. Ralph Torres, wants the Northern Marianas College to provide the panel updates on its work to reaffirm the institution’s accreditation.

In a letter to NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez yesterday, the lawmaker asked the official to provide the committee with some documents when she meets with panel members on Thursday.

“The committee has been willing, and continue to, offer its assistance and support to NMC. It is imperative that we have complete transparency and accountability of our only postsecondary institution,” Torres told Fernandez, adding that he looks forward to the conversation with the president on Feb. 26.

The committee chair wants five particular documents be submitted in the president’s report to the panel. These include the requirements for Recommendations 1 and II and the institution’s plan to address them.

Because the Legislature provides funding assistance for the operations and programs of the college, the status of NMC’s budget, which will include the cost of operations, salaries, and amount of federal assistance provided to the students and the college, are also asked for submission.

Other factors and documents related to the finances and annual budget of the college are also requested in the report.

Torres’ committee wants a brief summary of the degrees and courses offered at the campus, as well as the number of graduates each year.

A summary about the college’s programs and services provided to student recruitment and retention as well as updates on student enrollment are also required by panel members.

Torres, in the same letter, commended Fernandez for her management’s dedication in prioritizing students.

NMC was placed on continued show-cause status by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges after it “partially” comply with the last two remaining concerns that deals with program review, assessment and financial planning of the college.

It was given until April to submit the supplemental report in time for the decision to be made by the accrediting team in June 2009.

WASC had originally cited six specific concerns on the audit findings of the college in FY 2006. Of these issues, four were completely addressed by the institution as stated in the self-study and progress reports last year.

NMC, during the duration of show-cause, remains accredited by the commission and credits are transferable.