IMPERIAL — Members of the Imperial Valley College campus community including board trustees, professors and deans gathered to learn the preliminary findings and recommendations of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, here Thursday.
The eight-person accreditation team spent three days on campus evaluating the college, talking to students and validating the college’s self-study to ensure the college operates with a clear understanding of its purpose.
Accreditation team chairwoman Susan Clifford was quick to point out the preliminary findings of the visit are not the only things taken into consideration when a college is being evaluated for accreditation.
“The purpose of the visit and this meeting is to let you know what the team found and what areas the college needs to work,” Clifford said.
During the oral report, the college was commended on the quality of student learning in addition to the partnership it has been able to build with San Diego State University–Imperial Valley campus in Calexico.
Clifford also stated the college could do a better job of balancing its expenses and revenues to keep from using its reserve fund.
“This was a very general report, so there were no major surprises,” said Victor Jaime, IVC president. “We were happy they noticed some of the changes we’ve made since the last time they visited.”
Six years ago, the college’s catalog, which provides an overview of the school, was hard to follow and as a result various changes were made.
“They thought the catalog was phenomenal,” Jaime said. “They were also impressed with our students and their involvement in the greater community.”
The college is evaluated every six years and will learn the status of its accreditation in June.
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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