“Substantial Progress” in All Areas Leads to Reclassification by ACCJC
OAKLAND, Calif., January 27, 2022 -- The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) today learned that Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College have received upgraded accreditation status by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
The Commission voted to elevate the accreditation status of the Peralta Colleges as the district has demonstrated significant and consistent progress in reforming its finances and governance.
"Since last spring, the Peralta Community College District has shown considerable resolve and commitment to reform itself," said Dr. Jannett N. Jackson, Interim Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District. "Today the ACCJC recognized the substantial progress the colleges and the district have made on 100% of their requirements and upgraded our status. None of the colleges received compliance requirements. We remain committed to actively pursue the tenet of continuous improvement to resolve all the remaining aspects of their recommendations."
The change in status recognized the district's significant progress in areas including financial stewardship; student financial aid; student and public safety on campus; streamlining and codifying internal controls and processes for more transparent management; and upgrading the district's infrastructure to support these improvements.
"As someone who has been fully engaged in the ACCJC accrediting process, I've seen first-hand Peralta's commitment to continuous quality improvement," said PCCD Board of Trustees President Dr. Cindi Napoli-Abella Reiss. "I'm proud of the employees at the Peralta Community College District, who were able make such incredible strides addressing the Commission's requirements while simultaneously providing outstanding education, job training, and support services to students amidst the economic and social challenges of the pandemic."
This progress is the result of the work of the entire Peralta community, from the leadership of the Board of Trustees to the resilience of the administration, faculty, and staff coming together to make the changes needed to continue serving the students in our community.
While the Peralta Board of Trustees recognize this is certainly good news, more work is needed in the District. The Peralta Colleges have indicated the expectation to meet all standards of accreditation by June 2022 and remains on sanction by ACCJC, but with the status elevated from Probation to Warning.
Dr. Stephanie Droker joined the Peralta Community College District as Interim Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer in January 2022 after previously serving as President at ACCJC. "When Chancellor Jackson approached me about joining PCCD, I jumped at the chance. Over the past few years I've seen first-hand the progress that has been made by the District and the Colleges. I wanted to be a part of the fantastic team serving this incredibly important, diverse community, and to help keep our momentum moving forward," said Dr. Droker. "Peralta's progress is vital for all students and the community college system, as it shows the accreditation peer review process works."
"Our community has worked tirelessly to ensure we can continue to serve our students and help them accomplish their goals," Jackson said. "I am confident that through our continued, concerted action, we will--by the fall--have fully addressed all the Commission's recommendations and once again be fully accredited."
