In a statement, NMC acting interim President Patrick Moran said: “The concerns raised in the letter were not detailed enough for me to adequately and appropriately comment.”
But he said “the college is looking forward to clarifying some of these concerns in the next few days. We also look forward to meeting with representatives from the commission during the visit to address any issues that affect the accreditation.”
In her letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Variety, Beno said the commission “learned of a series of events which may place the college out of compliance with the eligibility requirements, standards of accreditation, and commission policies.”
She added, “The special visit will determine whether the institution is still in compliance with the following Eligibility Requirements and Standards: ER 3 – Governing Board, ER 4 – Chief Executive Officer, ER 5 – Administrative Capacity, ER 21 – Relations with the Accrediting Commission, and Standards I.A, III.A and IV.A and B.”
Beno said the commission is also concerned that “Northern Marianas College staff, in comments reported by the press, have claimed that [NMC’s] midterm report was false in its statements. This raises commission concerns about institutional integrity and the institution’s adherence to the commission’s policy on the rights and responsibilities of ACCJC and member institutions in the accrediting process. The visiting team will therefore also examine the institution’s integrity in its relationship with the” commission.
Beno said the commission did note that NMC “fully resolved recommendations related to the inadequate services at the Tinian and Rota sites; board training; review of existing planning and resource allocation processes; program review; evaluation of employees; securing funding for the renovation or replacement of facilities; development and implementation of a technology plan; development and implementation of a governance process that includes ongoing assessment of the process; and securing a steady revenue stream from the Legislature.”
A report from a WASC team which earlier visited the college stated that NMC met the requirements and recommendations made by the commission in 2006.
Moran, in a statement, expressed his gratitude to the student and faculty members who contributed to the “success” of NMC’s recent report to WASC, noting “they contributed a considerable effort and energy to prepare the report.”
“We are extremely pleased to learn that the commission has accepted our mid-term report,” he added.
NMC accreditation liaison officer Galvin S. Leon Guerrero, for his part, said the recognition reflects NMC’s ongoing commitment to institutional effectiveness.
“It is quite an accomplishment for the college and [we] look forward to working with [the commission] in addressing any other concerns,” he added.
A copy of the full visit report can be found on the NMC Web site at www.nmcnet.edu.
