NMC accreditation efforts in high gear—Fernandez

Northern Marianas College’s efforts to reaffirm its accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges is in high gear, according to college president Dr. Carmen Fernandez.

By April 1, NMC is required to submit its final report to the commission focusing on the two remaining recommendations cited in the continued show-cause status issued by WASC last month.

“The accrediting commission has already acknowledged and recognized the work that we have done to comply with accreditation requirements that dealt with student learning outcomes, employee evaluations, facility renovations and repair, and administrative capacity,” said Fernandez.

She added that they are now centering their efforts on the remaining unresolved recommendations, which involve integrating planning, program review, budgeting, and institutionalizing the program review process.

The president reiterated the college’s determination to achieve its goal of getting the full approval of the commission despite distractions that come their way.

“More than ever, we are determined to not let any distractions divert our focus from obtaining accreditation reaffirmation,” she said.

As evidence of the ongoing program review, the second cycle (cycle 2) of the program review process at the college is well underway with over 40 programs having submitted information about their missions, intended program outcomes, and means of assessment and success criteria, according to Fernandez.

Additionally, she added, the Planning, Program Review and Outcomes Assessment Committee adopted at its regular meeting on March 6, 2009, the “Success Criteria for Program Review First Cycle.”

“The passage of the success criteria for program review is a major step for the college because it allows the college community to evaluate what it is we accomplished in the first cycle,” said Wil Castro, PROAC chair and director of NMC’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness. “It is what WASC requires of us, to step back and evaluate both the process and outcomes of the program review process.”

Fernandez said that PROAC will also act on the strategic plan year 1 operational plan update reports and the program review quarterly updates as provided by the Institutional Excellence guide.

“This feedback to the campus community allows all programs to evaluate any improvements made thus far. It will also allow us to see if we’re on course with doing what we set out to do at the beginning of the academic year,” she said.

Fernandez stressed that the college is fully accredited by ACCJC/WASC during the show-cause period; all academic credits and degrees from NMC will remain accredited and will be transferable to other accredited institutions.