Tribal College to undergo evaluation for accreditation

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit from Feb. 7-8 by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college was granted initial candidacy status by the Commission in February of 2003. The Tribal college grants degrees at the associate degree level.

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provides institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. Other agencies provide accreditation for specific programs and accreditation is voluntary. The commission accredits about 950 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region. The commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

For the past year and half, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission's requirements and criteria for accreditation. The evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the college. Following a review process, the commission itself will take final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college:

Public Comment on Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College

Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400

Chicago, IL 60602

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Written, signed comments must be received by Jan. 7. The commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with an institution should request the separate policy on complaints document from the commission office. The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third party comment.