IN their recent Capacity and Preparatory Review, the WASC team reviewed all aspects of the University of Guam from academic quality, to assessment, finance, shared governance, and many other issues. The WASC team analyses how the university manages the funds it receives, as well as how it prioritizes spending. Funding is a major WASC concern, but it is not the only concern.
There was a sub-headline in a Pacific Daily News article during the site visit which stated, “Cash shortfall may affect accreditation.” The University administration wanted the public to know that loss of accreditation due to funding issues alone is unlikely to occur, and thus my phone call to K-57 ensued.
During the exit interview, the WASC team praised the university for its many accomplishments and noted that the financial issues were the “storm clouds” that we face as an institution. (To view the WASC exit review notes, visit www.uog.edu/newsandevents/index.htm.)
The university certainly does not want to downplay WASC concerns, but neither do we want to alarm the community. Communication between all stakeholders (the entire community) is necessary for an issue as important as accreditation.
 
CATHLEEN MOORE-LINN
Director, Integrated
Marketing Communication
University of Guam