Governing boards and accreditation

1. Governing boards and accreditation Accreditation Institute – 2013 Pearl Cheng – Trustee, Foothill-De Anza Community College District Dolores Davison – Foothill Community College Richard Mahon – Riverside Community College Virginia May – Sacramento City College

2. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards • Who we are on the panel • What experience have we had with the accreditation process? • We will cover: • The importance of Governing Boards in the Accreditation process • Tips for meeting the standards covering Governing Boards in the Accreditation process • Resources

3. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards What questions do you hope we will address before we’re done?

4. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards As noted in the Guide to Accreditation for Governing Boards by the ACCJC: “The purpose of regional accreditation is to assure and improve the quality of higher education to support student success.” http://www.accjc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Guide-to-Accreditation-for-Governing-Boards_2012.pdf

5. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards • What is your “culture”?

6. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards What role does the Governing Board play in accreditation? The Governing Board sets policies and delegates responsibilities to the college President, other college leaders, and to constituencies. In addition, the Governing Board is ultimately responsible for fulfilling the college mission and achieving student success.

7. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards • Standard IV.B. is the standard that defines the role and responsibility of the Governing Board • Standard IV.B subsections (a) through (j) cover: • Policy-setting • Conflict of interest • Mission • Budget process tied to mission • Bylaws and policies • Selection of Chief Administrator • Board development • New board member orientation • Code of ethics

8. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards • Standard IV.B.3 is the standard that defines what is expected in multi-college districts • The Commission also has “Policy & Procedures for the Evaluations of Institutions in Multi-College/Multi-Unit Districts or Systems” (See page 59 in the 2012 Accreditation Reference Handbook)

9. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards In the ACCJC Summer 2012 Newsletter: Colleges on Sanction Jan 2009-Jan 2012

10. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards In the ACCJC Summer 2012 Newsletter: Of most concern was the increase in the proportion of colleges on sanction due to the Governing Board practices.

11. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards Do this to improve your college, not for mere compliance. It requires too much time, effort, and funding to undertake only to “pass” and then backslide once the visiting team leaves. Address weaknesses when you find them—you don’t need to wait for the team or the Commission to tell you to improve.

12. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards Accreditation Basics http://www.accjc.org/events/accjc-accreditation-training/accreditation-basics-%e2%80%93-an-online-workshop-on-the-basic-principles-of-accreditation

13. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards Accreditation Process Tips • It is critical to start early and be organized • Ensure Accreditation process (and ultimately reaffirmation!) as a priority • Chancellor/Presidents • Top item for the Board of Trustees • Identify Accreditation Officers, steering committee and Standards Leads • Identify Board Trustee(s) as part of Standard IV.B team • Establish timeline and milestones • Consider an accreditation overview and training at District Opening Day or other time in the year; focus and support

14. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards Accreditation Process Tips (cont.) • Communicate priority, status, and process • Within the institution – timely and ensure progress • With the Board of Trustees • With the community at large • Foundation, Commissions • Students, other stakeholders • All stakeholders, including Board of Trustees review and give input to Self-Study report • Prepare for Accreditation Evaluation team visit • Student Trustee participation essential, exemplifies mission • All Board Trustees participate

15. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards Accreditation Process Documents (sample) • The Faculty/Staff and Student Accreditation Surveys • Foothill College Agenda and Meeting Minutes Template and Self Study Template for Standard Teams • ACCJC's Self Study Manual, information on writing the Self Study and the Site Visit. • Standard I Templates | Standard II Templates | Standard III Templates | Standard IV Templates • ACCJC Report on Jan 6-8 Meeting (List of Colleges and Accreditation Status) (PDF) • Annotated Accreditation Standards (PDF) • Guide to Evaluating Institutions (PDF) • Accreditation Dos and Don'ts (PDF) • Rubric for Evaluating Institutional Effectiveness (PDF)

16. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards Accreditation Standard IV.B sample template (outline sections from Foothill templates) (could show a couple of templates)

17. Governing Boards, Accreditation,and the ACCJC Standards • We hope you will be on a path to successful accreditation reaffirmation • Most importantly, use the Accreditation process to move your college (and district) forward!