College submits self study report to WASC

Palikir, Pohnpei - January 8, 2009 - The College of Micronesia –– FSM (COM-FSM) submitted its self study report to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) on December 30, 2009.

As an institution affiliated with the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of WASC, the College of Micronesia – FSM accepts the obligation to undergo periodic evaluation through self study and professional peer review. The heart of this obligation is the conducting of a rigorous self study during which the College appraises itself in terms of the Commission Standards in accordance with the College’s stated purposes. The submitted report was based on the study conducted.

The 263-page report is available on the College’s website at http://www.comfsm.fm/Accreditation/report/COM-FSM%20Self%20Study%202010.pdf.

Self study is part of a three-part process of accrediting an institution. This process includes an institutional self appraisal, an on-site visit by a team of peers, and a review and a decision on the accredited status of the college by the Commission. The institutional self appraisal results in the self study report, which is an analysis of the on-going and systematic activities and achievements of an institution. The aim of self appraisal is to assess how well an institution meets Accreditation Standards, Eligibility Requirements, and policies of the Commission and to stimulate improvement of educational quality and institutional performance.

The first goal of accreditation is quality assurance to the public. The second goal of accreditation is to help an institution improve attainment of its own mission—improving student learning and student achievement.

Six years ago (2004), the College sent another self study report to WASC which described an institution that showed many areas that needed improvement. The College was visited by a team from the Commission during March 2004. After the visit and a subsequent evaluation by the Commission, the college was placed on “Warning” by the Commission with recommendations for improvement. After some significant improvements, the College’s accreditation status was reaffirmed in 2005.

According to the 2009 self study report, the College’s intends to describe an institution which plans what it wants to do; evaluate and assesses what it plans; improves based on assessment results; allocates resources accordingly; and communicates these results within and outside of the college.

A Comprehensive Self Study is required every six years following initial accreditation.