March 10, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe Sowmick, (989) 775-4059, SCIT
Public Relations
Dr. Jeffrey Hamley, (989) 775-4123, Saginaw
Chippewa Tribal College
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College
Granted Initial Candidacy Accreditation
At its February 20, 2003, Board of Trustees meeting, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC/NCA) granted Initial Candidacy accreditation status to Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College. The Initial Candidacy accreditation status means that the college has met the same educational standards met by other institutions of higher education that have been approved for candidacy status. Following an in-depth self-study review process, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College submitted its Self-Study Report to HLC/NCA in August of 2002 and hosted a site visit by HLC/NCA evaluators in November 4-6, 2002.
"The hard work and dedication of many
have made this dream of Tribal College accreditation
possible," Tribal Chief Maynard Kahgegab Jr. remarked. "Our Tribal members can now
realize their goals of higher education right
here on the reservation."
College President, Dr. Jeffrey Hamley, stated:
"This is a milestone for the College and
the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the chartering
body of the College." Hamley added, "Our
entire college community was involved in the
accreditation process. Achievement of this milestone
demonstrates our commitment to the process of
institutional self-evaluation and improvement,
and our desire to provide quality education
to our students."
The Higher Learning Commission is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Association was founded in 1895 as a membership organization for educational institutions. It is committed to developing and maintaining high standards of excellence. The Association is one of six regional institutional accrediting associations in the United States. Through its Commissions, it accredits and thereby grants membership to educational institutions throughout a nineteen-state North Central region. Board of Regents Chair Paul Johnson stated: "The accreditation process brings validation and credibility for any institution undergoing that process." Regent Johnson added: "The Higher Learning Commission's action validates the quality of our college's administration, programming, and services and enhances the credibility of the college in the eyes of not simply our tribal community but the general public. The Board of Regents is very pleased by the progress being made by the tribal college."
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College is a nonprofit, higher education institution established by a 1998 resolution of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council. The College's mission is to address the academic, technical, and professional education and training needs of the Saginaw Chippewa community. (See the college's site home page for more information about the college.)
