Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) received candidacy status with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools (HLC-NCA) in 2006. HLC-NCA is one of six regional institutional accrediting associations in the United States. It is committed to developing and maintaining high standards of excellence. HLC-NCA grants membership to educational institutions throughout the 19-state north-central region.
Recognizing that WATC is scheduled for another comprehensive evaluation in summer 2008, the college formed a steering committee that began meeting in fall 2006. The steering committee reviewed the 2006 team report, the WATC Self-Study report, and the Handbook of Accreditation to begin identifying specific recommendations and/or concerns that will need to be addressed in the 2008 self-study. Representatives from the steering committee were assigned as co-chairs for the five criteria and they began formulating an outline as a starting point for their criterion narratives. Additionally, five members attended an HLC-NCA Self-Study Workshop in February and brought back some ideas that will be helpful as we begin our next self-study.
Conducting the 2008 self-study will require gathering information and evidence relevant to the HLC-NCA Accreditation Criteria. The process will require broad participation on the part of as many WATC constituencies (faculty, staff, students, business and industry partners) as possible as we conduct an objective analysis of the institution’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. One important result will be a report that is sent to a group of HLC-NCA peer reviewers to help them prepare for an on-site visit. However, just as important, WATC views this accreditation self-study as an opportunity to advance a culture that emphasizes and fosters the success of all students, both during and after college.
HLC-NCA WATC Information
