Quality of distance education is the same as classroom courses
–Cuesta College was recently notified that accreditation has been reaffirmed because of improvements in distance learning courses. In February 2015, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) reaffirmed Cuesta College’s accreditation for a six-year period, while recommending that the college ensure that distance education courses are the same quality as classroom courses. Cuesta submitted the requested follow-up report in October 2016.
Cuesta College offers hundreds of distance education courses. Each semester, approximately 2,500 students enroll in online courses. Distance learning courses represent 20-percent of the college’s total enrollment.
“I am extremely proud that the ACCJC recognizes Cuesta College’s dedication to continuous quality improvement in the work of our faculty, staff, administration and the Board of Trustees,” said Cuesta College Vice President of Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Dr. Deborah Wulff. “The college recognizes accreditation is ongoing and has implemented strategies and processes to continually address and meet the commission’s standards. Cuesta College continues its commitment to excellent education and innovative programs that allow our students to achieve their goals.”
The next accreditation report due from Cuesta College is the midterm report in the fall of 2017. Accreditation is the primary means by which educational institutions assure and improve quality. California community colleges must apply to the ACCJC, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. The process focuses on self-evaluation, peer review and quality improvement. Institutions are either reaffirmed or placed on sanction.
[“source-timesofindia”]
