Garden City Community College Receives Reaffirmation of Accreditation
[Garden City, KS] March 23, 2023 -- Garden City Community College has received formal notification that it has earned full reaffirmation of accreditation from the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). In taking this action, the IAC considered materials from the most recent evaluation findings. Garden City Community College has been accredited continuously by the Higher Learning Commission since 1975.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. Institutional accreditation validates the quality of an institution's academic programs at all degree levels, whether delivered on-site, online or otherwise. Institutional accreditation also examines the quality of the institution beyond its academic offerings and evaluates 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.
Before an onsite visit was conducted in early November 2022, an 80+ page "Assurance Argument" was compiled stating how GCCC meets each of the five HLC criteria for accreditation. This document contained hundreds of relevant pieces of evidence gathered by various GCCC staff, faculty, and administrators. Dr. Marc Malone, Vice President for Instructional Services/Chief Academic Officer, stated, "I'm grateful to every employee who participated in the site visit and who helped prepare for the visit over the last two years. The continuous improvement efforts and student-focused work of GCCC employees make a strong institution." He continued, "Thank you to the site visit team who asked challenging questions, gave thought-provoking suggestions, and listened, especially to our students during the student sessions. The site visit process was a gratifying and educational experience."
The next reaffirmation of accreditation will take place in 2028-2029. Garden City Community College's statement of accreditation status is listed on the HLC website.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.