The decision by the ACCJC comes after an extensive review and study of Antelope Valley College by professionals and staff from other colleges. Last year, AVC published a study documenting exactly how the college is adhering to accreditation regulations. The review team evaluated the 415-page study in search of evidence that the standards for accreditation were indeed being followed.
According to its website, the ACCJC evaluates colleges based on several standards, such as the institution’s mission and effectiveness, student learning programs and services, available resources, and leadership and governance.
Antelope Valley College President Dr. Jackie L. Fischer Sr. was pleased with AVC’s reaffirmation of accreditation.
“With so many California community colleges that have faced accrediting sanctions in recent years, we are proud of the fact that AVC continues to meet all the standards for reaffirming our accreditation,” he said in a recent campus update. “This reflects the hard work and high standards of the college’s faculty and staff.”
The ACCJC, who placed or renewed sanctions on 14 California community colleges, did ask AVC to take some more action. They asked AVC to create a follow up report to address four recommendations of the evaluation team.
The review team suggested that AVC implement and assess student learning outcomes, document the involvement of professionals in curriculum development, enhance the use of technology, especially regarding computer network and administrative data security, and to consider its financial obligation to pay benefits to retirees. This report is due in 2012.
The staff and faculty at AVC have worked hard to ensure that the college has met the bar raised by the ACCJC. Students and staff alike can breathe easier knowing that at least for the next six years, AVC is still an accredited college.
-by Kevin Michael Kramer
