[Editor’s Note: Two months after being named successor to the ousted Mark Rocha as president of Pasadena City College, Dr. Vurdien brought distressing news in this campus-wide email sent out yesterday. The contents were interpreted as fallout from the controversial Rocha era. The community college accreditation board has put PCC on probationary status for multiple standards violations.]
Dear colleagues,
As you are aware from the press release that was emailed last night, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) has placed the college on probation.
It is important for all of us to understand that Pasadena City College remains a fully accredited institution during this probationary period.
The action letter is posted on our website, and the link is provided below:
http://www.pasadena.edu/accreditation.html
Efforts to address the anticipated recommendations began last semester with representatives from the various constituency groups.
Now that we have the final recommendations and decision, we must increase our efforts with a sense of urgency and commitment.
The initial plan that was approved by College Council last March must be refined and expanded upon, with groups and subgroups created, as appropriate, to address each of the recommendations.
I have asked Dr. Kathy Scott, the Accreditation Liaison Officer, to work with our lead accreditation faculty, Stephanie Fleming and Kris Pilon, and to put together a small ad hoc group that includes Faculty, Classified, and Management representatives. They will create a detailed plan to address all the recommendations.
Representatives will solicit input and feedback from the constituency groups so that we may conduct the work that needs to be done in a timely manner.
The next year will be challenging, but the decision imposed by the Commission needs to be one that brings us together to do the hard work that will be required.
Your participation on various committees, subcommittees, and workgroups will be needed to ensure that our accreditation is reaffirmed.
A follow-up report addressing the recommendations must be submitted in October 2016. In November 2016 an ACCJC evaluation team will visit the college. ACCJC will render a decision on our probationary status in January 2017.
It is essential that the recommendations be met within that timeframe and that the college be fully reaffirmed.
I sincerely believe that with all of us working together Pasadena City College will emerge stronger and better in support of our students and the communities we serve.
