MiraCosta College Receives Accrediting Commission Recommendations

MiraCosta College has received recommendations resulting from the September 17-18, 2007 Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges special accreditation visit. The commission’s three recommendations are contained in a letter that also outlines a compliance timeline.

“The college remains fully accredited during this period and we intend to promptly and completely address the commission’s recommendations,” says Interim Superintendent/President John Hendrickson. “Working toward the accomplishment of the commission’s recommendations provides the college with an opportunity to strengthen both the campus and governance climate.”

The three recommendations outlined in the letter are:

• Recommendation 1: The college must promptly complete a process to establish student learning outcomes at all course and program levels, along with appropriate assessment measures. (Student learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes that a student attains as a result of completing a college course or participating in a collegiate program such as service learning or student government.)
• Recommendation 2: The Board of Trustees and college constituent groups must engage in dialogue focused upon identifying and achieving mutual interests central to ensuring a participative governance climate.
• Recommendation 3: Trustees need to establish a board development plan that builds a shared understanding of board roles and responsibilities.

“The Board of Trustees is committed to achieving a more cohesive governing board that interacts regularly and openly with all constituent groups,” says MiraCosta Board of Trustees President Carolyn Batiste.

A report that includes documentation and other evidence of progress being made on the commission’s recommendations will be compiled and provided to the commission and college community by April 1, 2008.