By Dr. J.D. Rottweiler
I was not here the last time Cochise College completed the re-accreditation process. That was in 2006, and the granting of accreditation for 10 years, with no interim reports or focus visits required, was one of the highlights of that decade. It capped more than a year of hard work on behalf of employees and marked the first time since 1969 that the college had received the maximum accreditation. Those in attendance at the announcement cheered. Loudly.
While not the most riveting subject, accreditation is intended to ensure quality and is incredibly important for institutions wishing to transfer credits earned by students to other colleges or universities and in helping students obtain federal financial aid.
The last Higher Learning Commission evaluation recommended that the college work to formalize processes, systems and procedures; continue to improve communication between campuses and centers; look for ways to improve the college workforce; and continue to focus on outreach and maintaining a “culture of ‘yes.’”
The college has made strides in all of these areas. It has implemented a system to review relevant policies, seek input from the college community at large, and effectively communicate changes, primarily through the use of a web portal. The portal assists with communication between geographically dispersed areas, as well as among very busy people serving on a variety of committees while carrying out their normal duties. In the face of a challenging economic situation, the college has managed to elevate the level of many positions while adding new ones and eliminating or re-thinking others. And it continues to be a player at the community level via employee involvement and assistance with an array of public organizations.
I believe these efforts and continual attention to our strategic priorities – excellence, completion, competitive advantages, and everything speaks — have had a positive effect on student success, the college’s ultimate purpose.
The 2006 report, written by evaluators from peer institutions, also included this nugget:
“It would be hard for us to think of any other visits we’ve been on in which the warmth, the commitment, the dedication, of the folks that work here, teach here, administrate here, pass on the policies and procedures here has ever been more real, more palpable, and more directly tied to the mission of the community college. You folks are incredible.”
We’re even more incredible now. At least, we think we are!
This is where you come in. Cochise College anticipates an October visit by Higher Learning Commission evaluators. Before they arrive, specifically, before Sept. 26, HLC seeks public comment on substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be made in writing and received in the HLC offices, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411.
If you’ve taken the time to read this column, I hope you’ll also take the time to share your thoughts about Cochise College with the Higher Learning Commission. Its job is to make us better.
J.D. Rottweiler is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.