1. Accreditation Standards
Standard III.D – Financial Resources
Arlitha Harmon
Vice President of Finance & Administrative Services

2. The Standards
The primary purpose of an ACCJC–accredited institution is to foster student learning and student achievement. An effective institution ensures that its resources, programs, and services, whenever, wherever, and however delivered, support student learning and achievement.
Standard I - Mission, Academic Quality and Institutional Effectiveness, and Integrity
Standard II - Student Learning Programs and Support Services
Standard III - Human, Physical, Technology, and Financial Resources
Standard IV - Leadership and Governance

3. Financial Planning Mission & Goals Budget Development
The distribution of resources supports the development, maintenance, allocation and reallocation, and enhancement of programs and services.
Budget Development
The institution clearly defines and follows its guidelines and processes for financial planning and budget development, with all constituencies having appropriate opportunities to participate in the development of institutional plans and budgets.

4. What is financial stability?
Financial stability includes a high degree of confidence that the institution will continue to fulfill its
mission and responsibilities as a higher education institution and meet its contractual obligations without interruption or outside assistance.
Cash Flow & Reserves
Institutional Oversight Practices
Contractual relationships
Financial Aid Management
Grants

5. Are institutions penalized for not having enough resources?
Most accreditation reviews deal with institutional practices related to the usage of the available funds in order to maintain fiscal stability and institutional effectiveness.
Mission and goals are foundational to financial planning
Financial planning is integrated with institutional planning

6. Liabilities Level of financial resources Budget Development
When making short-range financial plans, the institution should considers its long-range financial priorities.
Budget Development
The institution plans for and allocates appropriate resources for the payment of liabilities and future obligations,

7. Accreditation Questions Does the college maintain a 5% unrestricted reserve of cash or cash equivalent? Does the college have long term debt financing? Does the college have polices and procedures for purchasing? Is there evidence that planning integrates fiscal and other resources?
Evidence
Audit Report
Program Reviews
District Funding Plan
Facilities Master Plan
Ed Master Plan
Fiscal Trend Analysis
Debt Service Schedules