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Overview

With accreditation reaffirmation comes the opportunity for quality assurance and continuous quality improvement -- a chance to focus on organizational excellence and student success. In 2011, the RP Group conducted a research project that offered contextual information about accreditation policies and practices nationwide and sought to engender a productive discussion among the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior College (ACCJC), the state's community colleges, and key constituent groups about how these findings might assist in optimizing the accreditation process for true quality improvement.

Outcomes

The research offered a series of key findings regarding how commissions might: (a) set the stage for quality improvement, (b) develop their relationship with member colleges, (c) support institutions in achieving reaffirmation, (d) consistently apply standards and effectively use sanctions throughout a review and (e) generate a positive return on an institution's investment. 

At the same time, this study also recognized that colleges and their constituent groups have an important role in supporting quality improvement, and specifically addressed the responsibilities of institutions in the accreditation process.

The RP Group shared its research findings with a broad range of stakeholders including ACCJC staff; the chief executive officers, chief instructional officers, chief student service officers, and trustee boards; the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges' Executive Committee; the California Community Colleges Chancellor's cabinet; and the Consultation Council's accreditation taskforce. 

All parties were eager to explore ways to enhance the accreditation process and improve the relationship between ACCJC and the colleges. Additionally, clear themes emerged during these discussions about specific changes that would ensure accreditation fosters excellence and ensures that minimum standards are consistently met. 

These suggested changes involved amending existing standards and accreditation processes; strengthening training and support; and building collaborations among constituency groups, colleges, and accrediting agencies to provide this support.