Sunday, August 19, 2007
Foxes in Henhouse
Western Association of Schools and Colleges letter to New College
July 5, 2007:
This special investigation was conducted under the Commission Policy on Summary Sanctions for Unethical Institutional Behavior. New College did not provide complete information requested by the WASC team either before, during, or after the investigation.
In meeting its responsibilities to the federal and state government as a recipient of financial aid money and other benefits, New College unequivocally bears the burden of demonstrating the integrity of its records. After reviewing all of the evidence, the Commission has found substantial evidence of violations relating to operational integrity, honesty, and candor.
One of the fundamental purposes of accreditation is to assure the public that degrees represent the completion of a course of study that is appropriate in content and standards. The Commission has serious concerns about whether New College is meeting these aspects of academic integrity.
The Commission found that underlying the matters explored in the special investigation is a lack of effective leadership and required governance structures. The Commission has serious doubts that the same board that allowed the problems to persist are now capable of remedying these serious and pervasive matters.
New College is now given notice that if there is not significant improvement by fall, the Commission will consider whether to terminate accreditation.
July 5, 2007:
This special investigation was conducted under the Commission Policy on Summary Sanctions for Unethical Institutional Behavior. New College did not provide complete information requested by the WASC team either before, during, or after the investigation.
In meeting its responsibilities to the federal and state government as a recipient of financial aid money and other benefits, New College unequivocally bears the burden of demonstrating the integrity of its records. After reviewing all of the evidence, the Commission has found substantial evidence of violations relating to operational integrity, honesty, and candor.
One of the fundamental purposes of accreditation is to assure the public that degrees represent the completion of a course of study that is appropriate in content and standards. The Commission has serious concerns about whether New College is meeting these aspects of academic integrity.
The Commission found that underlying the matters explored in the special investigation is a lack of effective leadership and required governance structures. The Commission has serious doubts that the same board that allowed the problems to persist are now capable of remedying these serious and pervasive matters.
New College is now given notice that if there is not significant improvement by fall, the Commission will consider whether to terminate accreditation.
