Reaffirmation Update

Just a few months ago, we learned that our accreditation body had deferred our reaffirmation of accreditation by six months to gather additional information regarding institutional autonomy.

This was a concern raised by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees regarding Northwest Vista College, San Antonio College and St. Phillips College.

The SACSCOC Board of Trustees authorized a Special Committee to visit NVC to review “additional information regarding the autonomy of the separately accredited institution.” The deferral was somewhat unexpected as NVC had not been previously cited by the visiting reaffirmation site team for standards related to autonomy as a separately accredited entity.

Last year was the first time in NVC’s history that we had reached the juncture in the accreditation cycle to complete a 10-year report. Our reaffirmation compliance report demonstrated the good work and high-quality education that NVC provides to our students. It was a lengthy process that included submitting documents to the SACSCOC, submitting a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) proposal and hosting a visit from the SACSCOC site team last October.

Since receiving the deferment letter in July from SACSCOC, our team – led by NVC Vice President of College Services Erin Sherman – has been working hard to write a solidly supported response to each of the 10 standards noted in the letter. NVC’s updated report was submitted prior to the Sept. 1 due date to the SACSCOC Special Committee members and vice presidents.

On Sept. 27, NVC will receive a half-day site visit, and on Sept. 29, the SACSCOC special committee team will provide feedback during an exit interview. In early December, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees will meet to make a decision regarding NVC’s reaffirmation.

I’m hopeful the well-documented report that was submitted will demonstrate NVC’s autonomy with the district, and the efforts of each of the independently accredited Alamo Colleges and the district to do what is in the best interest of student success and result in a positive reaffirmation. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the SACSCOC reaffirmation process.