Regional accreditation is required for NMC to provide access to federal and state funding for the college and our students. NMC follows the AQIP pathway offered by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which includes regular monitoring, annual Action Projects, Strategy Forums, Systems Portfolios and Appraisals, and a Comprehensive Quality Review. The next step in our cycle involves the creation of the Systems Portfolio.
What is the Systems Portfolio?
The Systems Portfolio covers six (6) categories and describes our processes, results, and improvements in each system. The six categories are:
- Category One: Helping students learn
- Category Two: Meeting Student and Other Key Stakeholder Needs
- Category Three: Valuing People
- Category Four: Planning and Leading
- Category Five: Knowledge Management and Resource Stewardship
- Category Six: Quality Overview focuses on the Continuous Quality Improvement
Our last Systems Portfolio was submitted in 2013, our next one is due 11/1/17.
Why is it important?
The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an entity that accredits institutions of higher learning. The Systems Portfolio is the primary document that demonstrates that NMC provides quality education to students in meeting the criteria for accreditation. Completing the Systems Portfolio is a time for the College to reflect, clarify, plan, and receive feedback. It is an essential element of our continuous improvement efforts.
How does this involve me?
Work groups for each category are being created who will gather input from faculty and staff across the campus. You may be asked to serve on a work group, or you may be asked to provide information or perspective on one or several of the categories.
What’s next?
We will be launching kickoff meetings for the work groups mid-November.
You will receive regular updates throughout the process and will be invited to submit questions or feedback.
After our Systems Portfolio is received and reviewed by the HLC, a peer review team will visit our campus as part of a comprehensive evaluation which will include the team speaking with various faculty, staff, and student groups.
Questions may be directed to Joy Evans, Executive Director of Research, Planning and Effectiveness (ORPE) at jevans@nmc.edu .