July 7, 2010
With commendations in several areas, Allan Hancock College received word
yesterday from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges,
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, that it recently took action to
reaffirm Allan Hancock College’s accreditation.
Every six years, California community colleges undergo a self study and
accreditation reaffirmation process that includes a visit by a team of peer
evaluators on behalf of the commission. That visit at Allan Hancock College took
place in March 2010. The team provides a report to the commission, which in turn
takes action on the college’s accreditation status. The commission meeting to
determine the status of Allan Hancock College’s accreditation was held June
9-11, 2010.
In its letter to Superintendent/President José M. Ortiz, Ed. D., commission
president Barbara Beno, Ph.D., commended Allan Hancock College “for the support
for and upgrades to the technology infrastructure, for providing excellent
library and learning support services and student support services for students
both online and in person, for an engaged campus environment with active
participation from all constituent groups including students, and for its
successful efforts to provide orientation and development for the Board of
Trustees which has enabled the Board to function effectively.”
Ortiz said the accreditation process is an important, ongoing process that
allows colleges to look inward at every aspect of themselves, using high
standards of institutional effectiveness; student learning programs and
services; institutional resources; and governance.
“Given that in recent years the accreditation process has become even more
stringent, we are especially pleased with this very positive result,” he added.
“The commission delved deeply into Allan Hancock College and found what we all
know to be true: We are an exceptional college doing exceptional work on behalf
of our students. I commend every faculty, administrator and staff member, every
student and every member of this community. Together, we make Allan Hancock
College great.”
As per the process, all colleges are required to submit a Midterm Report in
the third year after each comprehensive evaluation. The commission has asked for
Allan Hancock College’s report by March 15, 2013. At that time, a team of
commission representatives will visit the college in conjunction with the four
recommendations noted in the commission’s letter to the college.
Those recommendations included:
1) “…fully implement student learning outcome assessment at all
levels… linking assessment analysis to planning and resource
allocation.”
2) “…implement the newly formulated college planning process in ways
that enhance links between college goals, operational and strategic
planning, resource allocation, and participation in college governance.”
3) “…comply with board policy for administrative evaluations.
…evaluations play a role in assuring the effectiveness of the college’s
decision-making...”
4) “…implement the new decision-making process and improve methods
for campus-wide communications concerning decision making processes, to
ensure a healthy campus climate…”
“Allan Hancock College has a history of positive accreditation evaluations
that recognize it as a quality institution of higher education, which has been
confirmed by our peers and an independent accrediting body,” said Ortiz. “To
continue our success, we are already moving forward with several of the
recommendations. Our all-staff convocation this fall will focus on celebrating
our achievement as well as presenting next steps to address all of the
recommendations,” he added.
For detailed information, the following documents are available for your
review:
Accrediting commission's reaffirmation letter
Accreditation Team Evaluation Report
Accreditation Self Study 2010
More information about Allan Hancock College accreditation is located at
www.hancockcollege.edu; click
“News & Information” in the left-column menu, then “Accreditation” in the
right-column menu.
- AHC -