Frequently Asked Questions
- What is accreditation?
- Is LASC currently accredited?
- What is the college's current accreditation status?
- What is probationary status?
- What is LASC and the District Office doing to remove this sanction?
- What happens next?
- Where can I find out more information about accreditation?
- Where's the documentation regarding LASC’s accreditation status?
Q: What is Accreditation?
A: Accreditation is a voluntary peer review process that assists colleges to improve the quality of education and the effectiveness of its processes. Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) is reviewed every six years and its accredited status re-evaluated by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC). Accreditation assures that the quality of education meets the minimum standards determined by the Commission.
Q: Is LASC Currently Accredited?
A: Yes. LASC remains fully accredited.
Q: What is the College's Current Accreditation Status?
A: LASC was placed on probationary status on July 2, 2012.
Q: What is Probationary Status?
A: When the accrediting commission finds that an institution has not responded adequately to previous recommendations from past evaluations or they do not feel that they have enough evidence to determine if the college meets every accreditation standard, the ACCJC may issue a sanction such as probationary status and require an institution make improvements within two years. The college must file periodic reports and undergo site visits. During this period, the institution remains accredited. LASC’s probationary status stems from six (6) recommendations. These recommendations focus on ensuring that LASC’s planning processes are adequately validated and evaluated, the college website is functional and maintained, distance learning students have the same access to services as students in face-to-face classes, library services, materials and collections are reviewed and updated and resources provided to maintain them, professional development is enhanced, and actions and recommendations of committees are fully documented and disseminated throughout the college.
Furthermore, the team recommended that the District review the effectiveness of bond oversight and progress on lifting the moratorium, resolve deficiencies cited in the 2010 financial audit, implement a budget allocation model taking into consideration the sizes of our colleges, and provide training pertaining to the Board’s role and responsibilities
Q: What is LASC and the District Office Doing to Remove this Sanction?
A: Since receiving the Accreditation Commission report findings, administrators, staff, and faculty have been working together to address the ACCJC’s recommendations.
Q: What Happens Next?
A: LASC will submit a follow-up report to the Accrediting Commission by March 2013 that will detail progress towards addressing all of the issues cited. In June 2013, we will be informed by the ACCJC about the college’s status.
Q: Where Can I Find More Information About Accreditation?
A: The accrediting commission, ACCJC, provides information on the topic at www.accjc.org. Accreditation update newsletters are regularly posted on the college’s homepage, at www.lasc.edu. You can also contact Trudy Walton, Executive Vice President of LASC at waltontj@lasc.edu or call her at 323-241-5409.
Q. Where's the Documentation Regarding LASC's Accreditation Status?
A: The College has posted the Commission letter on the college’s website, along with its self-evaluation and the visiting team report. Additionally, a response from the college President regarding the college’s probationary status may be viewed on the Commission’s website at www.accjc.org by clicking on the Directory of Accredited Institutions.