Senior Commission ends 2-day visit to NMC

A team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior Commission concluded last Friday its two-day visit and inspection at the Northern Marianas College as part of the institution’s application to transfer its accreditation to the senior body.

“The visit went well. The team’s meetings were focused not only on verifying NMC’s self-study report that we submitted earlier this year, but they also focused on providing the college insight about where improvements can be made, especially in key areas of teaching and learning,” said NMC president Dr. Sharon Hart.

Led by team chair Dr. Helen Whippy, the commission’s representative group gave the college a verbal summary of its findings in seven key areas upon its exit.

In a statement Friday, NMC disclosed that the team commended the college for refining its governance process, establishing measurable student learning outcomes in student service areas, and its fiscal responsibility and unqualified audits.

Also noted by the visiting team is the transformation of the Board of Regents and its support for the president. Its inclusive strategic planning process, implementation of new policies that have helped to set new directions for NMC, as well as the difficult decisions enforced in implementing new faculty qualification requirements were also marked as commendable.

Whippy also provided several recommendations to help the college in its growth and development. Notably, it suggested the increase in the college capacity for institutional research, transitioning the college from course level assessment to comprehensive, program level assessment with a focus on student success.

The team also recommended further development of the college’s general education philosophy, empowering faculty and further defining their role in teaching and assessment, as well as establishing a comprehensive development program for them.

Also noted is the need to revisit faculty evaluation criteria. The Board of Regents was also urged to meet less frequently so they can better focus on key broad issues to allow the institution to focus on the implementation of board policies.

During the two-day visit, the team engaged students, staff, faculty, and the members of the Board of Regents to discuss a number of issues related to academics, student services, college finances, governance, and other matters.

The team’s final report will be submitted to the WASC Senior Commission, which will then make a decision on NMC’s application for accreditation with the Senior Commission in mid-June.

The purpose of the WASC visit was twofold: to evaluate NMC and its application for initial accreditation under the Senior Commission; and to review the college’s substantive change proposal to offer a Bachelors in Science – Business Management program.

NMC is already accredited by the WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. This accreditation was recently reaffirmed by ACCJC in February.

The college initiated the shift from the Junior Commission to the Senior Commission of WASC as part of its effort to meet community and workforce needs. Under ACCJC, the college was allowed to offer only one bachelor’s degree program. On the other hand, the WASC Senior Commission would allow the college to expand its bachelor degree offerings after necessary approvals are secured.