Report 2013-123 All Recommendation Responses
Report 2013-123: California Community College Accreditation: Colleges Are Treated Inconsistently and Opportunities Exist for Improvement in the Accreditation Process (Release Date: June 2014)
Recommendation #1 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To ensure that colleges receive consistent and fair treatment and are able to address deficiencies, the chancellor's office should work with the community colleges and request clearer guidance from the commission regarding what actions would allow for the full two-year period in which to remediate concerns and what actions would constitute good cause for extending the time an institution has to address deficiencies beyond two years. In doing so, the chancellor's office should also encourage the commission to specify in its policies those scenarios under which it would exercise the good cause exception so that institutions would have a better understanding of when they might reasonably expect additional time to address deficiencies.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). The recommendations included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
Although the Chancellor's Office's work group did not specifically address the issues we bring up in our recommendation, it made a number of recommendations related to allowing for dialogue between the colleges and the commission after the site visit and during the commission's decision making process. In our judgment, this is responsive to the recommendation.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including the need to clearly communicate ACCJC's rules and processes as noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
A noted in our 9/12/14 response, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris has established a Task Force on Accreditation to assist in formulating positions and proposals to prepare us for meeting with ACCJC. The Task Force will meet on 1/29/15 at the Chancellor's Office. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
Given the central importance of the accreditation process to our colleges and the functioning of our system, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. The agenda item from the July 2014 Consultation Council meeting is attached as evidence of these efforts. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #2 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To ensure that community colleges and the public are fully informed regarding the accreditation process, the chancellor's office should assist community colleges in communicating their concerns to the commission regarding its transparency and in developing proposals for improving the commission's transparency policies and practices. The chancellor's office should also encourage the commission to publish policies describing the role of its staff in the commission's decision-making processes.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). The recommendations included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which focused on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which was charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including the matter of transparency as noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
A noted in our 9/12/14 response, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris has established a Task Force on Accreditation to assist in formulating positions and proposals to prepare us for meeting with ACCJC. The Task Force will meet on 1/29/15 at the Chancellor's Office. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
Given the central importance of the accreditation process to our colleges and the functioning of our system, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. The agenda item from the July 2014 Consultation Council meeting is attached as evidence of these efforts. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #3 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To make certain that institutions receive fair treatment in appealing decisions that terminate their accreditation, the chancellor's office should work with the community colleges to advocate that the commission change certain aspects of its appeal process. Specifically, in keeping with the spirit of accreditation, when institutions have taken steps to correct deficiencies that led to the decision to terminate accreditation, the institutions should be allowed to have information on those corrections heard as evidence in their appeal. Further, the commission president's involvement in selecting the appeal panel's counsel should be revisited.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). The recommendations included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which focused on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which was charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
While not addressing the specific concerns raised in our recommendation, the Chancellor's Office's work group recommended significant changes to communication between the colleges and the commission and for increased communication during the decision making process. In our judgment, this is responsive to the recommendation.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including matters related to the ACCJC appeals process as noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
A noted in our 9/12/14 response, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris has established a Task Force on Accreditation to assist in formulating positions and proposals to prepare us for meeting with ACCJC. The Task Force will meet on 1/29/15 at the Chancellor's Office. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
Given the central importance of the accreditation process to our colleges and the functioning of our system, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. The agenda item from the July 2014 Consultation Council meeting is attached as evidence of these efforts. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #4 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To strengthen institutions' understanding of what they must do to comply with standards, and to provide them with the opportunity to address certain issues that could jeopardize their compliance, the chancellor's office, in collaboration with the community colleges, should encourage the commission to develop formal opportunities for institutions to communicate with and receive feedback from the commission on institutional self-studies and other reports before a formal evaluation takes place. In doing so, the chancellor's office should consider the practices of other regional accreditors and identify those that would best meet the needs of California's community colleges.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). The recommendations included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which focused on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which was charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes. In addition, we note that the Chancellor's Office has launched an expansion of our capacity to provide technical assistance to colleges. This initiative, supported with resources provided in the State Budget, provides another mechanism to inform and assist colleges in matters related to accreditation.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including matters related to improving lines of informal communication between the ACCJC and member institutions as noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor. In addition, we note that the Chancellor's Office has launched an expansion of our capacity to provide technical assistance to colleges. This initiative, supported with resources provided in the State Budget, provides another mechanism to inform and assist colleges in matters related to accreditation.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
A noted in our 9/12/14 response, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris has established a Task Force on Accreditation to assist in formulating positions and proposals to prepare us for meeting with ACCJC. The Task Force will meet on 1/29/15 at the Chancellor's Office. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
Given the central importance of the accreditation process to our colleges and the functioning of our system, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. The agenda item from the July 2014 Consultation Council meeting is attached as evidence of these efforts. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations. We note that the Chancellor's Office is currently launching an expansion of our capacity to provide technical assistance to colleges. This initiative, supported with resources provided in the 2014-15 State Budget, will provide a mechanism to inform and assist colleges in matters related to accreditation.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #5 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
Community colleges, as members of the commission, should communicate their concerns about and ideas for improvement of training on the accreditation process to the commission. To provide assurance to colleges that they may suggest this information freely, the chancellor's office should coordinate communication between the commission and the colleges. Further, in order to build collegial relationships, engage new people in the accreditation process, and extend additional training to those already involved in accreditation, the chancellor's office should encourage the commission to develop an annual conference focused on accreditation and oversight.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which focused on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which was charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders. Consistent with this recommendation, the ACCJC held a convention in collaboration with the Association of Community College Administrators, Academic Senate of California Community Colleges, Chancellor's Office, and other system stakeholders in 2017: https://accjc.org/2017-conference-materials/.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including matters noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor. We note that ACCJC recently held a statewide conference on accreditation, consistent with this recommendation.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
A noted in our 9/12/14 response, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris has established a Task Force on Accreditation to assist in formulating positions and proposals to prepare us for meeting with ACCJC. The Task Force will meet on 1/29/15 at the Chancellor's Office. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations. We note that ACCJC has already announced plans to host an annual conference, consistent with Recommendation #5.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
Given the central importance of the accreditation process to our colleges and the functioning of our system, the Chancellor's Office is gathering input from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. The agenda item from the July 2014 Consultation Council meeting is attached as evidence of these efforts. Once sufficient information gathering has been accomplished, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss the issues raised in the audit report recommendations. We note that ACCJC has already announced plans to host an annual conference, consistent with Recommendation #5.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #6 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To allow colleges flexibility in choosing an accreditor, the chancellor's office should remove language from its regulations naming the commission as the sole accreditor of California community colleges while maintaining the requirement that community colleges be accredited.
1-Year Agency Response
On January 20, 2015, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved changes to section 51016, of title 5, of the California Code of Regulations, removing the explicit reference to ACCJC. This change was intended to give the California Community College system greater flexibility in selecting an accreditor. The regulations require that an accreditor be recommended by the Chancellor and approved by the Board of Governors. Further, the regulations dictate that any accreditor must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The regulatory change was subsequently approved by the Department of Finance and is now in effect.
- Completion Date: June 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Fully Implemented
6-Month Agency Response
On January 20, 2015, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors approved changes to section 51016, of title 5, of the California Code of Regulations, removing the explicit reference to ACCJC. This change was intended to give the California Community College system greater flexibility in selecting an accreditor. The regulations require that an accreditor be recommended by the Chancellor and approved by the Board of Governors. Further, the regulations dictate that any accreditor must be recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The regulatory change will take effect once approval is received by the Department of Finance.
- Completion Date: January 2015
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Partially Implemented
As noted above, the Board of Governors approved regulations that removed the explicit reference to the accrediting commission; however, those regulations are pending approval from the Department of Finance.
- Auditee did not address all aspects of the recommendation
60-Day Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office is in the process of conducting legal and policy analysis related to this recommendation. In addition, the Chancellor's Office will also seek input from the colleges about this proposal. Based on this research and input, the Chancellor's Office will determine an appropriate course of action.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #7 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To allow colleges flexibility in choosing an accreditor, the chancellor's office should identify other accreditors who are able to accredit California community colleges or who would be willing to change their scopes to do so.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). The recommendations included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which focused on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which was charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including the identification of potential alternative accreditors as noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office is in the process of conducting legal and policy analysis related to this recommendation. In addition, this recommendation will be discussed with the Task Force on Accreditation when they meet on 1/29/15. The Chancellor's Office will also seek input from the colleges about this proposal through Consultation Council and other venues. Based on this research and input, the Chancellor's Office will determine an appropriate course of action.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office is in the process of conducting legal and policy analysis related to this recommendation. In addition, the Chancellor's Office will also seek input from the colleges about this proposal. Based on this research and input, the Chancellor's Office will determine an appropriate course of action.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #8 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
To allow colleges flexibility in choosing an accreditor, the chancellor's office should assess the potential costs, risks, and feasibility of creating a new independent accreditor.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From January 2018
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). The recommendations included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts were two workgroups: Workgroup I which focused on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which was charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups presented their final reports to the Board of Governors in September 2017, and made a recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor (see reports, attached). The recommendation to retain ACCJC as our system's accreditor was based on substantial progress by ACCJC to respond to and address concerns raised by the Chancellor's Office, CEO Workgroups, and colleges. Examples include, selection of a new president to lead ACCJC, revisions to the accreditation process, revisions to selected standards, much improved communication with the colleges, and a collaborative and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
- Completion Date: September 2017
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented
Although the Chancellor's Office's work group did not specifically consider the creation of a new accreditor, it did consider several different options for college accreditation and recommended that a long-term goal should be to have a single accreditor for all higher education institutions. In our judgment, this is responsive to our recommendation.
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2016
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September 2015, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). These recommendations included a proposal to develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. The recommendations also included numerous ways in which ACCJC could improve its effectiveness as an accreditor. In November 2015, the Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors and adopted. As part of the Board's action, the Chancellor's Office was directed to work with and support efforts by the CEO Board to develop a path forward for CCC accreditation. Central to these efforts are two workgroups: Workgroup I which is focusing on steps that can be taken to improve ACCJC; and Workgroup II which is charged with developing strategies to better align CCC accreditation with that of four-year institutions, including possibly joining the same commission. These workgroups' efforts are ongoing and appear to be the most viable strategy currently available to establish an improved model of accreditation for the California Community Colleges. The Chancellor's Office is working in close collaboration with both Workgroups. Information about these efforts can be found at: http://www.ccleague.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3882 .
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2015
The Chancellor's Office gathered input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This was accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened the Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. In late September, the Task Force released its report which contains recommendations to the Board of Governors (report can be found at http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/reports/2015-Accreditation-Report-ADA.pdf). Central to these recommendations is proposal that the Chancellor's Office develop a plan to find a new accreditor for the California Community Colleges. One option would be for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to be merged with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The Task Force recommendations were presented to the Board of Governors as an informational item on September 20, 2015, and will go before the Board as an action item in November 2015. If the Board takes action to adopt the Task Force recommendations, the Chancellor's Office will reach out to the ACCJC and attempt to schedule meetings to discuss moving forward with the proposed changes.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Not Fully Implemented
1-Year Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office has been gathering input related to this recommendation from a broad range of California community college stakeholders. This is being accomplished through discussions at Consultation Council as well as in other meetings with stakeholders. In addition, Chancellor Harris convened an Accreditation Task Force to make specific recommendations on improving the accreditation process for California community colleges. The Task Force report will be completed in Fall 2015 and we anticipate that it will address numerous issues, including the feasibility of creating a new independent accreditor as noted in this recommendation from the State Auditor.
- Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Pending
6-Month Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office is in the process of conducting legal and policy analysis related to this recommendation. In addition, this recommendation will be discussed with the Task Force on Accreditation when they meet on 1/29/15. The Chancellor's Office will also seek input from the colleges about this proposal through Consultation Council and other venues. Based on this research and input, the Chancellor's Office will determine an appropriate course of action.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
The Chancellor's Office is in the process of conducting legal and policy analysis related to this recommendation. In addition, the Chancellor's Office will also seek input from the colleges about this proposal. Based on this research and input, the Chancellor's Office will determine an appropriate course of action.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
Recommendation #9 To: Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
The chancellor's office should monitor community colleges for issues that may jeopardize accreditation. To the extent that the chancellor's office believes it needs additional staff to accomplish this task, it should develop a proposal for the fiscal year 2015-16 budget cycle that identifies the specific activities it would undertake to find and correct issues that could lead to sanctions of the community colleges and identify the staffing level needed to conduct those activities.
1-Year Agency Response
The 2014-15 State Budget provided the Chancellor's Office with nine additional positions and $2.5 million in local assistance funds to provide greater oversight, intervention, and assistance to the colleges. The 2015-16 State Budget recently provided an additional 6 positions and $15 million in local assistance funds to advance these efforts. These resources will allow the Chancellors' Office to more proactively identify struggling colleges and then provide appropriate intervention and assistance. While not exclusively focused on accreditation deficiencies, much of this work will address issues that are critical to accreditation. To date we have hired a Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness, a newly established position, and additional staffing to support these efforts. We have also contracted with College of the Canyons to implement the local assistance portion of this initiative. Teams of expert practitioners from across the California Community College system have been recruited to serve on resource teams that visit colleges and assist in improving institutional effectiveness. Thirty-eight site visits will be performed by the end of the 2015-16 fiscal year. A set of "leading indicators" to measure the operational health of colleges have been developed and are being used to monitor colleges and identify areas of concern. With the recent funding augmentation, we will provide expanded professional development opportunities for college personnel to build expertise and skills to promote effective operation of our colleges. While these efforts will be expanded and refined over time, the letter and spirit of this recommendation have been achieved.
- Completion Date: July 2015
- Response Date: June 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Fully Implemented
6-Month Agency Response
The 2014-15 State Budget provided the Chancellor's Office with nine additional positions and $2.5 million in local assistance funds to provide greater oversight, intervention, and assistance to the colleges. These additional resources will allow the Chancellors' Office to be more proactive in identifying when a college is struggling and then providing appropriate intervention and assistance. While not exclusively focused on accreditation deficiencies, much of this work will address issues that are critical to accreditation. The Chancellor's Office is currently in the process of hiring these new staff and developing the technical assistance services that will be supported by the local assistance funds. We have hired a Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness, a newly established position, who will oversee these efforts. We have also contracted with College of the Canyons to implement the local assistance portion of this initiative. As the Chancellor's Office works to implement these expanded functions, we are reviewing where additional resources might be needed in order to provide appropriate oversight and assistance to the colleges. Requests for additional resources to assist in these efforts will likely be proposed by our office in the 2015-16 budget process.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: January 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
The 2014-15 State Budget provided the Chancellor's Office with nine additional positions and $2.5 million in local assistance funds to provide greater oversight, intervention, and assistance to the colleges. These additional resources will allow the Chancellors' Office to be more proactive in identifying when a college is struggling and then providing appropriate intervention and assistance. While not exclusively focused on accreditation deficiencies, much of this work will address issues that are critical to accreditation. The Chancellor's Office is currently in the process of hiring these new staff and completing the contracts necessary to expend the local assistance funds. As the Chancellor's Office works to implement these expanded functions, we are reviewing where additional resources might be needed in order to provide appropriate oversight and assistance to the colleges. Requests for additional resources to assist in these efforts will likely be proposed by our office in the 2015-16 budget process.
- Estimated Completion Date: TBD
- Response Date: September 2014
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
All Recommendations in 2013-123
Agency responses received are posted verbatim.