A STUDENT’S GUIDE ACCREDITATION 2013

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION? The process by which a college is certified by a regional accrediting agency, such as the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Being certified, or accredited, is identified by meeting four standards.

ACCREDITATION STANDARDS Standard I: Institutional Mission and Effectiveness To ensure that the institution has a mission and uses it as the foundation for all planning documents and processes. Standard II: Student Learning, Programs and Services To ensure that the courses, programs, and support services meet the quality, breadth, and rigor identified within the standard. Standard III: Resources To ensure that all resources (human, facilities, technology, and financial) are integrated into the planning process. Standard IV: Leadership and Governance To ensure that campus leadership and governance is effective and supportive of the institution and its mission.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK? The report addresses what LAMC has done or is doing to meet the standards It also identifies the college’s strengths and areas in need of improvement The college outlines its plans for improvement. Every six years, LAMC conducts a comprehensive self review, writes a report (Self Evaluation Report), and submits it to the ACCJC.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK? ACCJC sends a Visiting Team to the campus to: Verify that what is written in the Self-Evaluation Report is accurate Review the supporting evidence Complete an exit report, with their findings and recommendations, and submit it to the ACCJC for final determination.

WHY DO WE GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS? To evaluate our college To make improvements on a continuous basis To reaffirm our accreditation status

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN THE VISITING TEAM IS ON CAMPUS? The team will be on campus March The team will likely arrive early and leave late during the duration of their visit. They will have a schedule to meet with various campus leaders, attend regular meetings, and request individual conversations (including ASO leadership). The team will walk around campus, may peek in or visit classrooms, and/or may interview individuals. A closing presentation will be on Thursday, March 14 in CC Main (time TBD).

WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY (AS A STUDENT) ? Be familiar with the Self-Evaluation Report On LAMC’s website at Be familiar with your campus mission statement and Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) These are posted in most classrooms, in the Learning Center, and on the bookmarks handed out this spring 2013 semester.

WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY (AS A STUDENT) ? Be familiar with your course Student Learning Outcomes These are available on the syllabus for each course. Know the visiting team will be on campus March May attend any open forums while the visiting team is here May attend the closing presentation (March 14, CC Main, Time TBD)

WHEN WILL LAMC KNOW HOW WE DID? The closing presentation will generally include: A brief statement by the team chair A general description of areas the college has excelled in A general description of areas the college may continue to work to improve Wait PATIENTLY until July/August The Commission will meet in June, make a decision and notify us within days.

QUESTIONS? If you have any further questions you can: Visit the LAMC Accreditation Web site at Read the LAMC 2013 Self-Evaluation Report Evaluation.pdf Ask your instructor Contact any of the Accreditation Steering Committee members Thank you