Allan Hancock College officials received word from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges earlier this month: Reaffirmation of the school’s accreditation was approved.
Every six years, California community colleges undergo a self-study and accreditation reaffirmation process that includes a visit from a team of peer evaluators on behalf of the association’s Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The process is meant to ensure certain educational and management standards are being met. An accreditation team visited Hancock in March, and a meeting to determine the college’s status was held in mid-June.
Commission president Barbara Beno recently sent a letter to Hancock Superintendent/President José M. Ortiz commending the college for its technology infrastructure, excellent library, and student support services both online and in person, as well as its “engaged campus environment.” The college was also complimented for providing successful orientation and development events to its Board of Trustees members.
“Given that in recent years the accreditation process has become even more stringent, we are especially pleased with this very positive result,” Ortiz said in a press release. “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.”
Submission of a midterm report and consequent visit has been scheduled for March 15, 2013, when commission representatives will visit the college to address some recommendations made in the letter.
To view a copy of the accreditation report and the college self-study, visit hancock
college.edu and click on “News and Information.”
School Scene is compiled by News Editor Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Jul 15-22, 2010.