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WASC Senior Commission sets three-day visit to NMC
A team from the Senior College and University Commission has informed the Northern Marianas College that it will soon be coming to inspect the institution and verify the report it recently turned in.
NMC president Dr. Sharon Y. Hart disclosed to Saipan Tribune that the senior commission’s visit is set for three days on April 30 to May 2 this year.
It was learned that the college formally submitted its application to become a member of the senior commission on March 1. Along with the petition is the college’s self-study report, which NMC recently finished, Hart said.
The college wants to shift its accreditation from the Accrediting Commission on Junior Community College to the Senior College and University Commission following its plan to offer another four-year degree program in the fall 2014 semester.
NMC currently has only one four-year degree, its School of Education. The college wants to offer a four-year degree in business by the fall semester.
Hart is optimistic of a favorable response from the senior commission and looks forward to the visit of its team.
The senior commission provides an initial six to seven years of accreditation to its members and up to 10 years when reaffirmed.
Hart said the senior commission’s decision whether to accept NMC or not will be known after the accrediting body’s assembly in June this year.
ACCJC and the Senior College and University Commission are both components of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or WASC. Since 2001, NMC has been accredited by these two commission bodies for its two-year programs and for its lone baccalaureate degree.
Under ACCJC policy, its member institution could only offer one four-year degree program. Under the senior commission, the college could offer as many four-year degree courses it wishes while maintaining its associate degree programs.
Hart said that NMC plans to endorse the four-year business degree program to the Board of Regents next month.
