February 5, 2003
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494
College Wins Re-Accreditation from Western Association of Schools & Colleges
College of the Canyons, which completed an extensive evaluation and self-study last fall, was granted unconditional re-accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in January for the maximum allowable six-year term.
An Accrediting Commission team visited the college Oct. 22-24, 2002, and met with more than 250 faculty and staff members and more than 90 students. The commission also visited 82 class sessions and held four “open meetings,” allowing comments from community members.
The final report called College of the Canyons an “excellent institution” and commended the school in a number of areas. Superintendent-President Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook was specifically congratulated for her strong leadership role, as was the Board of Trustees for its support of the college. The report commended the faculty and staff as “committed and innovative” and noted the college’s efforts in creating “educational and support programs that reflect the interests, needs and aspirations of its students.”
“College of the Canyons is dedicated to providing excellent programs and services to our students and community,” said Dr. Phil Hartley, assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction and student services. “I am pleased the commission concluded that what we are doing at College of the Canyons is exemplary.”
College of the Canyons first received formal accreditation from the WASC in 1972. Regional accreditation is important in securing certain types of student financial aid and transferring units to and from other higher-education systems.
“We have,” said Hartley, “a great faculty, staff and student body and tremendous community support that allows us to continue to develop and excel.”
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