Accreditation Info for Students

Frequently Asked Questions about NMC’s Accreditation

As announced today in our assembly, NMC was put on show cause status by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges at its January 2013 meeting. The Commission will again be meeting in January 2014 to consider NMC’s accreditation status. The following lists responses to students’ questions about NMC’s accreditation.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a status given to an educational institution that has been found to meet or exceed certain standards of educational quality. The agency that accredits NMC is the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which is part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 

Why does accreditation matter?

Accreditation matters because it helps to 1) assure the quality of the programs and services that NMC offers, and 2) it fosters and encourages institutional advancement. It also qualifies NMC for certain kinds of federal funds (for example, grants and financial aid).

Is NMC still accredited?

Yes. The recent decision by the accrediting commission to continue NMC on Show Cause does not change NMC’s accreditation status. NMC is still an accredited institution. The College remains committed to offering a high-quality education and excellent student services.

What does Show Cause Status mean?

Show Cause is ordered when the accrediting commission finds an institution to be in substantial non-compliance with its eligibility requirements, standards, or commission policies, or when the institution has not responded to the conditions imposed by the commission.

Why is NMC on Show Cause?

According to ACCJC, NMC is not in compliance with ACCJC Eligibility Requirements (ERs) and Standards in the following general areas: Administrative Capacity; Faculty- Qualifications; Library- Student Learning Outcome assessment concerning information literacy; Board of Regent- Honorary Regents, Policies, Stability of Leadership.

What is NMC doing to overcome the Show Cause status?

Students, staff, faculty and the members of the Board of Regents are committed to meeting accreditation eligibility requirements and accreditation standards. The College's Accreditation Reaffirmation Team (ART) will continue its work in leading the College’s accreditation efforts. The Team is composed of representatives fromss all areas of the College. In the meantime, those who wish to view updates of NMC’s accreditation efforts can log on to www.nmcnet.edu.

What will happen next?

NMC is required to submit a Show Cause Report on October 15, 2013, and an evaluation team from ACCJC be visiting NMC after this report is submitted. The Commission will make its decision about NMC's accreditation by January 2014.

What happens to my financial aid?

Nothing. NMC’s accredited status continues during the Show Cause period and students’ financial aid will not be affected.

Will other colleges accept my courses if I choose to transfer out?

Yes. The course credits you earn at NMC will continue to transfer based on the receiving institution’s criteria for as long as NMC remains accredited.

Who can help me better understand how accreditation will impact my enrollment and plans for earning a degree?

Counselors, academic advisors, and other staff from Student Services can help you better understand how accreditation affects your plans for earning a degree.  NMC is committed to helping you achieve your educational goals.  Your academic advisor or a counselor is available to assist you with the process of identifying and evaluating your options for continued enrollment and obtaining a degree.

Where can I find out more information about accreditation?

Accreditation updates are regularly posted at NMC’s website at www.nmcnet.edu. You can also log on to www.accjc.org for more information about the accrediting commission.