Re: “Rocha Fallout: PCC Slapped with Probation”
Three weeks after the new president of turmoil-churning Pasadena City College announced the school had been placed on probation for hijinks before the last president was kicked out, students and community supporters are demanding answers.
At 2 this afternoon inside the Creveling Lounge on campus, Dr. Rajen Vurdien will face the most difficult battery of questions he has seen since taking office almost three months ago.
For an hour, Dr. Vurdien, who emphasized that PCC “remains a fully accredited institution,” will answer questions about timelines and specific corrections that are being pursued to restore the school’s heavily tarnished reputation.
Effectively, Dr. Vurdien will be paying for the sins of Dr. Mark Rocha, ousted 11 months ago, alleged violations whose remedies presently are being pondered. Dr. Rocha kept intact his unenviable career record of fleeing a campus a half-step in front of stultifying controversy over his unpopular governing tactics.
In June, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges placed Pasadena City College on probation. The school has been given a year and a half to correct the problems. In January 2017, the accrediting board will revisit the subject and issue a recommendation.
Two of the leading questions:
What will Dr. Vurdien do to change the organization structure (and those in Administration) to make positive steps toward change to ensure the college complies in integrity and effectiveness?
What are Dr. Vurdien’s plans for correcting recommendation No. 4 that “college constituents will follow approved code of ethics”?
Said a student spokesperson: “The Accreditation recommendation is a residual effect of Dr. Rocha. Although he has now ‘retired’ and the PCC Board has allowed his $400K retirement package to remain, the numerous administrators Dr. Rocha appointed and caused the deficiencies/problems still remain at the college.”
