| Convocation 2011, No. 55 |
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ContentsMiddle States Commission Reaffirms College's Accreditation Colleges Break Ground for Mount Airy College Center for Health Care Education Towson Most Popular, But Majority of Transfers Go Elsewhere One in Four Are "First Generation" College Students My Heritage: François P. Derasse
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| Middle States Commission Reaffirms College's Accreditation |
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Carroll Community College has received official notification from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) that Carroll's accreditation has been reaffirmed. MSCHE is the accrediting body for two-and-four-year colleges which evaluates institutions of higher education in the middle states region. Dr. Pappalardo said, "This is wonderful news. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the fine work that our college faculty and staff do every day." MSCHE conducted its visit to the college from April 10 through 13, 2011 to determine the college's compliance with 14 standards of excellence developed by the accrediting body. These on-campus accreditation evaluation visits occur every ten years. The visiting team reviews the Self-Study report prepared by the college and validates its findings. The Middle States visiting team gave several accolades to the college by noting commendations to Carroll for its outstanding work. While the tone of the entire report was very positive, seven findings were identified for special commendation: The college is to be commended for recognizing the need and moving forward with a comprehensive review of its mission and goals to provide a base for its next three-year strategic plan. The Planning Advisory Council Orientation Manual provides an excellent blueprint for the college's planning process. The college appears to have a strong commitment to enhancing student educational and support activities through technology as evidenced by its technology planning efforts, its investment in technology and by the external recognition of its technological services and capabilities. In these uncertain fiscal times, it is important for an institution to ensure that it is has the resources available to support unplanned financial needs. Therefore we commend the college and the County Commissioners for recognizing the need for the college to maintain an operating fund balance in an amount not to exceed 10% of the operating budget. The college is to be commended for the nurturing and maintenance of a positive campus climate. Throughout the Self-Study Report, the review team found that effective feedback from assessment processes triggers new plans of action to address any subpar performance measures when identified. The college is commended for its thorough program development process that includes the Director of Learning Outcomes Assessment as one of the first stops for program vetting. The team report had only one recommendation for the college. The team encouraged the college to continue its efforts to improve its financial aid processes through automation and enhanced coordination with other offices. These efforts were underway at the time of the visit and are continuing. |