MEMORANDUM

Since COM-FSM was placed on warning status by the Accrediting Commission in June, many questions regarding its implication and about accreditation were asked by students and external stakeholders.  Therefore, this issue of the President’s Update is devoted to answering those questions.

Q: Is COM-FSM still accredited?
A: Yes.  The decision by the Commission to place COM-FSM on warning status does not change the college’s accreditation status.  The College of Micronesia-FSM is still an accredited institution and is still committed to offering high quality educational programs and student services.

Q: What is accreditation?
A:  Accreditation is a status given to an educational institution that has been found to meet and or exceed certain standards of educational quality.   Institutions voluntarily seek accreditation, and it is conferred by non-governmental bodies.   The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which is part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The fundamental purposes of accreditation are to assure the quality of the institution and to encourage institutional improvement.

Q: Why does accreditation matter or is important?
A: Accreditation matters or is important because it certifies to the public that the institution meets or exceeds specific standards of quality; facilitates institutional eligibility to participate in Title IV student financial aid programs; and provides a process of periodic self and peer review. These activities are a positive force in improving institutional effectiveness.  Many institutions rely in part on regional accreditation in their decisions to recognize transfer credit.  Also of note, over 68% of the COM-FSM operational budgets are from the federal grants and programs.

Q: What does warning status mean?
A: Warning is issued when the Accrediting Commission finds that an institution has not fully met the Commission’s Eligibility Requirements, Standards of Accreditation, or policies.  Reaffirmation of accreditation is withheld until the conditions which warranted the warning are resolved. 

Q: What will happen next?
A: The college must correct the deficiencies noted and submit a follow up report demonstrating the steps taken to address the concerns of the Commission by March 15, 2011.  Commission representatives will visit the college following submission of the follow-up report.  During their June 2011 meeting, the Commission will review the follow up report and the report from the visiting team and deliberate on the college’s status.

Q: What is COM-FSM doing to overcome the warning status?
A: Immediately following the exit meeting with Commission’s evaluation team in March 2010 during which the chairperson reported on the team’s observations, the President began working with his management team to strategize on how to address the concerns noted.  An action plan was developed which listed the tasks to be done, and assignments and timeline for completion for each task. Following the Commission’s decision and recommendations and release of the evaluation report, the action plans has been expanded.  A general assembly has been planned to take place after faculty, staff and students return from their summer break to inform the college community about the work ahead and encourage all to participate in the process.  President James will be working with his cabinet and the college community to draft the follow-up report during middle of Fall Semester 2010 and to have the final draft of the follow-up report ready for final comments from college community and stakeholders by end of January 2011.

The College of Micronesia-FSM community has overcome warning status before and is confident that COM-FSM’s accreditation will be reaffirmed.

Q: Can I still register for classes?
A: Yes. The COM-FSM is still committed in providing quality programs and services for its students and clients.  Students at all our campuses have completed their early registration for Fall Semester 2010 courses. 

Q: Are my courses from COM-FSM transferable?
A:  Yes.  Because our accreditation status continues, credits from COM-FSM to other higher institutions of learning will continue to transfer based on the receiving institution’s criteria.  COM-FSM counseling offices, admissions and registrar’s office will continue to assist students that are interested in transferring to other institutions abroad.

Q: What happens to the financial aid program at the college?
A: Nothing.  COM-FSM’s accreditation status continues so students’ financial aid will not be impacted.

Q: Where can I find out more information about accreditation?
A: You can find more information on the college’s accreditation on COM-FSM’s website at www.comfsm.fm.

If you need further clarification or have questions regarding COM-FSM’s accreditation, please contact the college by e-mailing us at national@comfsm.fm

Thank you.