After visiting Cerritos College in March, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), reaffirmed the College’s accreditation for the maximum of six years with a standard midterm report after three years.
WASC is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.
“We are very impressed with Cerritos College and with those of you who have made it such a fine institution,” stated Dr. James P. Kossler, Team Chair/President of Pasadena City College.
Cerritos College was given positive feedback from the Executive Director of the ACCJC, Barbara A. Beno. In her letter to the College, she commented, “The College is commended for its efforts at communicating with its community, for the spirit of innovation present on campus, and for its efforts in staff development.”
Cerritos College was praised for many qualities including the “library and the learning resource center,” the “custodial and ground staff,” and the “effective inclusion of the classified staff,” noting the “increased opportunities and representation,” according to the Commission.
Acting President John Grindel commented, “Cerritos College is an outstanding center for education as is displayed through the high marks given by the [ACCJC].”
The ACCJC believes that regular evaluations are necessary for continuous improvement among the colleges. To ensure that accreditation keeps pace with the increasing changes in higher education and also to match the process of institutional accreditation, renewal of Commission processes and standards occurs at six-year intervals.
In order to be approved after the six-year interval comes to an end, it is important for the college to strive for excellence while continuing to grow in all areas.
According to the ACCJC, the commissioners have “the responsibility for evaluating and accrediting public and private institutions of higher education that offer one or more higher educational programs of two years in length leading to the associate degree.”
The Commission helps to provide assistance to colleges that are either well established or still developing by interviewing/surveying members of the student body, observing classroom activity, visiting many of the campus facilities and meeting with leaders of various programs.
The standards are set by the Commission and must be approved by every member of the evaluating teams.
