October 10, 2012
Northeast Texas Community College hosted a visiting team from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) this week as part of its reaccreditation process. According to NTCC President, Dr. Brad Johnson, the college is pleased with the outcome of the visit.
NTCC undergoes the reaccreditation process every 10 years, which gives professionals from other colleges the chance to review NTCC operations and instruction.† This extensive review verifies that the college operates in a quality manner in all areas.† Accreditation is the foundation that allows NTCC course credits to be transferred to universities across the country and makes it possible for NTCC students to access federal and state financial aid. The process culminates with the on?site visit by a team of representatives from other community colleges in the SACS region.
"This has been a big week for NTCC. I am very pleased†that the visiting team could see what a special place NTCC is,?†Johnson said. "The visiting team repeatedly commented on the†professionalism†and passion of our faculty, staff and students. I am extremely proud of them all."
Each college is required to offer a plan for improvement (called a ?Quality Enhancement Plan?). NTCC?s plan, entitled ?Write Smart?†was the topic most discussed during the exit interview on Wednesday morning. This plan focuses on improving NTCC students' writing and vocabulary skills. The committee†described ?Write Smart? as a ?hugely significant? project which could become a national model for assuring students learn how to think critically and write well early in their college career.
"The accreditation process has changed drastically since we did this last time. This is our first time to†initiate an improvement plan as part of our reaffirmation process,?††Dr. Ron Clinton, NTCC Executive Vice President for Instruction, said. "To get such a ringing endorsement of our plan is reassuring that we are on the right track."
NTCC will receive the final report from the SACS team in a few weeks,†will respond to each recommendation, and will hear the official word on reaffirmation by July of next year.
"Accreditation with SACS gives our institution credibility. Students can come to NTCC and be confident that they are receiving†at least†the same caliber of instruction that they would at any other accredited university or college," Johnson said.
