The Higher Learning Commission released the Draft Feedback Report on Pima Community College’s accreditation status last week and determined that one area should result in the College remaining On Notice for an additional six months. In 10 of 11 areas of concern, the Peer Review team recommended removing the College from the sanction of “On Notice.”
Peer Reviewers agreed the On Notice should stay in place for criterion involving assessment of student learning outcomes. Specifically, they wanted to see the College complete hiring of two critical assessment positions, a Director of Assessment, reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Accreditation and Academic Quality Improvement, and a Research Analyst, reporting to the Director of Assessment.
In February 2015, the HLC, the College’s accrediting body, determined that the College was at risk of falling out of compliance in 11 accrediting standards. While the College remained fully accredited, it was placed “On Notice.”
The Draft Feedback Report was the work of a Peer Review Team, comprising leaders from community colleges across the U.S., who reviewed considerable evidence provided by the College in support of its efforts and paid a site visit to the College in September. During that visit, members conducted more than 50 interviews with more than 250 faculty, staff, board members and community members.
The College is given time to review the draft and correct any errors or omissions. The HLC will review the College’s response and issue a Final Feedback Report, which is considered to be the official report. The Final Feedback Report and supporting evidence will be reviewed by the HLC Board of Trustees in February 2017 for a final decision.
“We are grateful for the Reviewers’ thoughtful evaluation and for recognizing the hard work behind all of the achievements in these past several months,” Lambert said. “We still have much hard work ahead, but now our path is clear and we can be confident in our actions.”