A Proposal for Establishing State Approval Status for the Colorado Community Colleges

The Colorado State Board expects new colleges to strive for regional accreditation as soon as possible. As the Board planned, in its initial year, to grant no approval or certification, college presidents needed some kind of interim status. This report outlines the criteria for approval by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. Consistent with regional standards, they include not only published material on the college's programs, philosophy, and objectives, but also evidence of (1) involvement of staff, students, faculty, and community; (2) commitment to the open-door policy; (3) on-going professional development of administration; (4) professional subject competence of teachers and in-service upgrading; (5) official encouragement of staff improvement; (6) a comprehensive curriculum including occupational, continuing, developmental, transfer, and community service programs; (7) suitable balance among the programs; (8) belief in and adequate staff for student services (counseling, financial aid, job placement, activities); (9) adequate physical facilities or firm plans to finance and build them; (10) sound fiscal management and ability to fund programs and pay attractive salaries; (11) respect for academic freedom and an open forum on controversial issues; (12) progress toward regional accreditation. Terms are defined and procedures for requesting interim approval are listed, including how to appeal a decision and request a review by the Board. (HH)