Preparations are under way for GCC's accreditation review in 2012 by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a division of the North Central Association, one of six regional accrediting organizations in the nation HLC. In the past, GC has received maximum 10-year HLC accreditations, and significant involvement is needed well in advance of the upcomingreview from every area of the College if that achievement is to be repeated.

The Handbook of Accreditation is the main reference guide on accreditation. Among its content are details on the five criteria – the necessary attributes – an educational entity has to meet to be accredited: 1) Mission and Integrity, 2) Preparing for the Future, 3) Student Learning and Effective Teaching, 4) Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge, and 5) Engagement and Service.

Planning for GCC's self-study will span 2009-2012. Monthly highlights and updates on the process will be provided.

Dr. Alka Arora Singh, director of College Research Services, encourages all campus members to review a brief PowerPoint presentation for background information and insights on accreditation, timeline and particularly the self-study process, which is a critical self-evaluation with involvement from the entire campus and community. The self-study organization chart is also available at that site.

A team of eight GCC faculty and staff attended the HLC annual meeting April 17-21 in Chicago to receive training for the 2012 accreditation review. That team, in turn, will train and lead the rest of the committee members involved in the self-study process. Another team of five GCC faculty and staff attended the Assessment Academy June 9-12 in Chicago to train in techniques and best practices for assessing student-learning outcomes at the course, program and college levels. This team is collaborating with faculty and will provide guidance and training across GCC to assess student-learning outcomes.

The organization chart provides details on current committee membership by criteria. However, many opportunities for volunteer service are available, and a good representation of GCC's diversity is highly desired and encouraged. Your willing involvement will add tremendous value and insight to this important process. This promises to be an exciting project and a great opportunity for professional growth.

Please feel free to contact Maria Izabel Zavala , assistant to the President, at 623.845.3012 or Dr. Singh at 623.845.3968 if you desire to serve or have questions about the self-study process or the work already accomplished.