California Community Colleges Put On and Taken Off Probation

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges -- which accredits two-year institutions in California, Hawaii and several Pacific island nations and territories as part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges -- has placed one two-year institution on probation and taken several others off. At its meeting last month, the accreditor placed San Jose City College on probation on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation. The San Jose Mercury News reports that, among a number of deficiencies cited in a recent letter from the accreditor, San Jose City College was told “to make changes to ensure financial solvency,” “establish a climate of trust and respect” with the new chancellor of its district, and “better assess student learning outcomes.” Crafton Hills College, Diablo Valley College and Solano Community College were removed from probation after follow-up visits. The Western accreditor continued the probations of Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Cuesta College, Laney College, Merritt College, and Southwestern College.