On July 5, 2012, Ventura County Community College District (District) received notification from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (Commission) that the District and its colleges – Ventura College, Oxnard College, and Moorpark College – will remain on probation based on findings from the Commission’s follow-up visit on April 16. That visit focused solely on the Commission’s special concern regarding Board governance. The Commission noted the Board made progress in the area of Board training and policy development and cited the need for consistency and long-term sustainability. Accreditation site team members reported, “Evidence of . . . activities reflected considerable effort over the past three months focused on resolving the issues and bringing the District into compliance with Accreditation Standards.”

The colleges remain fully accredited while the colleges are on probation. Classes and credits continue to be transferable to other educational institutions. Eligible students are receiving financial aid. No accreditation issues exist in classroom education, and students are graduating with associate degrees and certificates.

The full Board is committed to attaining accreditation reaffirmation, acknowledges its role regarding the special concern identified by the Commission, has agreed to actions necessary to demonstrate continued improvement to obtain accreditation reaffirmation, and has developed policies to ensure the changes are sustainable. The next District report is due to the Commission by October 15, 2012. The October 15 report will address not only Board governance and leadership but also the District’s progress on seven accreditation recommendations related to District/college roles and responsibilities; policy review and consistency; planning; formal communications; Board self-assessment; and Board professional development.

Board Chair Stephen Blum commented on the findings, stating, “The Commission reported we have made progress, but the Board must show consistent improvement in satisfying all the accreditation recommendations. We acknowledge and respect the Commission’s findings. The recommendations are not a reflection of teaching and learning occurring in our classrooms. They pertain to other issues that must and will be addressed. Naturally, our goal is to return to full compliance with all accreditation standards and be removed from probation status.”

The Board will discuss the Commission’s findings at its July 10 Board meeting to review measures toward improving the District’s accreditation status. The District will continue to keep students, employees, and the community in¬formed of developments related to accreditation. The most recent Commission report can be found on the District’s website at http://www.vcccd.edu/about_the_district/accreditation/index.shtml. Students and members of the public with questions regarding accreditation can call Clare Geisen, Director of Administrative Relations, Chancellor's Office, at 805.652.5504 or email cgeisen@vcccd.edu.