CCC Accredidation report released

Colby Community College is on the right track. That was the bottom line of a report by representatives of the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) at the conclusion of a required follow-up accreditation visit. The HLC is an accrediting group for two- and four-year colleges and universities.

HLC team members Dr. Gail Mee and Dr. Cindi Thiede reviewed the college’s progress in strategic planning and assessment since the accreditation review in 2004.

“The college has demonstrated adequate progress has been made since 2004,” said Dr. Mee. “Ample evidence has been provided that the college has a five-year strategic plan, board members are knowledgeable about the plan, and the administration as well as faculty and students have an understanding of the importance of strategic planning.”

The team will make a recommendation to the HLC that no follow-up is necessary regarding strategic planning.

Drs. Mee and Thiede also reviewed the school’s assessment plan.

“Again, adequate progress has been made in the assessment area,” said Dr. Mee. “There is ample evidence that CCC faculty understand assessment. General education outcomes have been defined, an institutional research person has been appointed, the academic council recognizes the importance of professional development and board members demonstrate a knowledge of assessment.”

Dr. Mee reported that the team will make a recommendation that no Commission follow-up is required in the assessment area.

“This has been a good experience for us,” said Dr. Mee. “CCC is a fine institution with dedicated board members, and an administration and faculty who are committed to students.”

The HLC is an independent corporation and one of two Commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

“The success of this visit was a team effort,” said CCC President Lynn Kreider. “The board, administrators, faculty, staff and students all contributed. The positive report is a good start that indicates the college is on the right track. We look forward to the formal report and advice the team provides to assist us with assessment and strategic planning.”