Some key characteristics of effective educational institutions are engagement, mission-driven focus on the students and communities served, strategic planning, evidence-based decision making, and policies and practices that promote continuous improvement.  This year we will begin to acquaint the campus community with these interesting new criteria.

 

As we begin to prepare for review, it is important to recognize that TSJC has come a long way since our last review, especially in relation to shared governance, strategic planning and assessment of student learning.  We have an opportunity to tell a great story of organizational development, most notably with the expansion and growth of the Alamosa campus.  Recent dynamic changes at TSJC evidence our commitment and capacity to become a more effective organization.  The self-study process is an opportunity for the campus community to reflect on our development as an organization, take pride in our strengths and accomplishments, challenge ourselves to correct deficiencies, and sharpen our focus on our mission and those we serve.

It is time to gear up for our ten year NCA accreditation review in 2008.  We are approaching the final year of preparation for the next full accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

 

The groundwork has been laid for the self-study process.  The steering committee and sub-committees have been meeting on a regular basis. Our Self-Study Design Plan was submitted to the Higher Learning Commission.  People who play central roles in the self-study have been attending the Higher Learning Commission Annual Meetings in Chicago.  Dr. Ingrid Walker, TSJC’s liaison with the Commission, was on TSJC’s Trinidad campus (with the Alamosa campus linked electronically) September 6^th and 7^th to address students, faculty, and staff regarding the importance of the self study process and assessment of student learning.

 

This academic year (06-07) we will begin the self-study process in earnest by gathering data and writing the chapters of the Self-Study Report.  The data collection, identifying strengths

and deficiencies, and writing/editing process will continue through Spring 2007.  The Self-Study Report will be submitted to the Higher Learning Commission late Fall 2007.  The comprehensive site visit by the Higher Learning Commission review team will occur March 3^rd – 5^th, 2008.

 

This review will be guided by a new set of criteria that were recently adopted by the Higher Learning Commission.  The new criteria and cross-cutting themes guarantee effective “learning organizations” that have systems in place which ensure continuous quality improvement.

Quick Facts:

* TSJC was first accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1962.  Accreditation was reaffirmed in 1972, 1976, 1981, 1988, and 1998.

* Our accreditation is important because of the following:

         a) schools that are not accredited are not eligible to receive most federal and state funds;

         b)  transferability of course work;

         c) to gain recognition in a variety of ways from other colleges and universities;

         d)  to gain recognition from business, government, and industry, which equates to jobs for our graduates.

* Our HLC staff liaison is Dr. Ingrid  Walker.  For communication with Dr. Walker, please go through Debbie Ulibarri—Self-Study Coordinator, or RuthAnn Woods.

* Our comprehensive site visit is scheduled for March 3, 4, 5, 2008.

 

Gearing Up for NCA Accreditation

Self-Study Newsletter

September 2006

TSJC Mission Statement

Trinidad State Junior College enriches the academic, technical, and cultural life of our diverse community.  We are committed to offering traditional and alternative approaches to education, providing quality instruction, and promoting lifelong learning.