District prepares for visits, approval
by Roxanna Latifi, reporter

    Student focus groups will be formed to offer opinions and feedback on TCC activities and services this fall in preparation for visits from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

   By serving on focus groups, students will also attain knowledge of the accreditation process. To become an accredited institution, SACS and THECB evaluate colleges and universities on a regular basis. TCC is preparing for its accreditation process.

   The student activities directors from each campus will assist in selecting the students and make specific plans for the focus groups.

   A follow-up session with these students will occur in the spring semester prior to the SACS and THECB visits. Students also will be asked to volunteer to help with greeting and assisting the representatives during the visit.

   TCCD undergoes several evaluations in order to maintain its status as an accredited institution.

   Within these evaluations, certain standards and criteria are met.

   Transfer students can attest to the importance of these requirements. If the college does not meet these requirements, students could not transfer courses to another college or university.

   Within the evaluations, studies and research groups are formed and tested. The Commission on Colleges publishes specific criteria listing each aspect to be tested. TCC chose to focus on the district’s technology, based on the plans published in the 1999 Information Systems and Computing Technology Plan.

   All aspects of technology from computerized classrooms to offices and other areas are being tested. Every program from educational to financial to physical resources, is evaluated.

   “Every criterion and technology plan item is studied to verify that TCC meets that standard,” Cheryl Roberts, chair of the NW English/ESOL/reading department and SACS editor, said.

   This process begins with a self-study on the topic, requiring the district to take a close, unbiased look at the institution’s programs and operations.

   In spring 2001, Dr. Linda Hines, TCC director of institutional research, and Lily Tercero, director of planning and institutional effectiveness, were appointed co-directors of the self-study groups. Dr. Gloria Mills, NW chair of business/science division, was appointed co-chair for compliance, and Dr. Michael Cady, South Campus dean of continuing education, was named co-chair for strategic focus.

   Within the 2001-2002 academic year, the committees reported their data, which was later transformed into two complete reports: compliance and strategic focus. During fall 2002, the reports will be available for comments by the college community before the final document is sent to the Commission on Colleges.

   “We want to make the visiting committees’ work as efficient as possible,” Roberts said.

   In April 2003, two committees from the commission will visit the district. One committee will evaluate whether TCC has completed the compliance reports with all criteria listed. The second committee will evaluate the technology reports and provide consultations on improving the systems.

   In June 2003, TCC will receive reports from both committees and will then have an opportunity to respond to any comments and/or feedback.
   “TCCD has an excellent reputation from previous reaffirmation visits. Next year’s visit should produce the same results as in the past and will probably exceed the number of previous commendations for exemplary work,” Cady said.

   The final reaffirmation of TCC is expected next December when the Commission on Colleges meets.

   Dr. Leonardo de la Garza, TCC chancellor, is a member of the SACS Commission.