Chaffey College News Release

July 8, 2010

Contact:

Peggy Cartwright
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
909/652-6115

For Immediate Release

CHAFFEY COLLEGE REAFFIRMED BY WASC ACCREDITATION COMMISSION

(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) took action to reaffirm Chaffey College's accreditation at its meeting June 9-11, 2010. "The team found the faculty and staff of Chaffey College to be outstanding professionals dedicated to the service of students," the report stated. The team added, "We observed many functions of the college to be exemplary and the individuals for those services to be talented and innovative."

The accrediting commission notified the Dr. Shannon, Chaffey College superintendent/president of its action by letter. The decision capped a review process that included an extensive self-evaluation by the college administrators, faculty, and staff, a March 1-4, 2010 campus visit by a WASC evaluation team and, lastly, consideration by the commission at its June 9-11meeting.

Gary George, Governing Board President recognized the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, administration and students on the accreditation. Being reaffirmed "adds to the college's luster and supports the reputation that Chaffey College is a 'world class institution,'" exclaimed George.

Within the past year, 159 faculty, staff, administrators, and students participated in preparing the comprehensive self-evaluation of Chaffey College's instruction and student services. Community College accreditation is re-evaluated every six years to ensure that the institutions offer the highest level of education and support to their population.

In March the Chaffey College hosted a team of academic professionals tasked with evaluating the institution. The team members reported its findings to the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The report included commendations and recommendations. Chaffey College was commended on seven areas including:

Collaboration on Student Services Assessment – The collaborative efforts between the college's institutional research office and student services on the assessment and evaluation of student learning and administrative outcomes.
Chino and Fontana Centers – The team commended the college for supporting the learning needs of the communities it serves through the Chino and Fontana Centers.
Partnerships – The college has established strong partnerships with city, county, and state governments securing funding for facilities and equipment.
Financial Stability – The team commended the college for achieving financial stability during a time of fiscal uncertainty.
Student Success Centers – The college student success centers are unique to community colleges and Chaffey was recognized for the innovative and effective services provided through the success centers on the college's three campuses.
Faculty and Staff Development – A recommendation made in the 2004 accreditation was to establish a staff development program. In the 2010 accreditation staff and faculty were commended for "an outstanding professional development program."
Technology Plan – The college was recognized for a "well-conceived, configured, and implemented technology plan" that integrates Library and information technology services to fulfill the needs of the institution.

"I am pleased that the WASC Visiting Team and the WASC Accreditation Commission recognized the outstanding value of Chaffey College and the college's ongoing contributions to this community," said Dr. Shannon. "I want to commend the faculty, staff, administrators, and the Governing Board for their quality work on behalf of our students," he added.

Today, Chaffey College serves students over 21,000 students from its three campuses Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, and Fontana. Receiving notice that WASC reaffirmed Chaffey College's accreditation is a high achievement. Accreditation is an important process for colleges and universities in the United States because it enables students attending accredited campuses to receive federal financial aid and know that their coursework will be accepted elsewhere should they transfer.

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