CNM earns 10 year national accreditation (again)

Central New Mexico Community College once again has earned national accreditation for the next 10 years from the Higher Learning Commission.

A independent corporation, the Higher Learning Commission is one of seven regional accreditors in the United States and accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited CNM as a community college since 1978.

The news of this latest reaccreditation comes after the Higher Learning Commission conducted a comprehensive review of CNM’s resources, practices and services to ensure they align with the institution’s mission of creating futures for their students and partners through education, training and innovation.

According to a news release from CNM announcing the reaccreditation, “The Higher Learning Commission validates the quality of an institution’s academic programs, teaching and learning, and examines the quality of the institution as a whole, including the soundness of its governance and administration, adherence to mission, the sustainability of its finances, and the sufficiency of its resources.”

In CNM’s case, President Tracy Hartzler said the the review ranged from evaluating student success and support programs, to quality of education and training programs, to faculty development, academic and learning resources.

“I think what’s important and the reason they look at this criteria is because our accreditation means that the public and our students can rely on the quality of our programming,” Hartzler said.

Despite the reaccreditation, CNM still is required to fill out annual reports to the Higher Learning Commission that will include the institution’s financial status, student enrollment numbers and any and all changes in CNM’s leadership. The Higher Learning Commission will also conduct two “check-in” visits to CNM over the course of the next 10 years.

Asked her reaction to the reaccreditation, Hartzler credited the work of the college staff and hopes this signals to New Mexicans that CNM is committed to success.

“I’m really proud of the work our faculty, staff, student employees and our governing body undertook during this process. They did it with great earnestness, energy and excitement,” she said. “To be recognized as a top-notch institution and meeting our students’ needs is a great source of pride.”