 "Photo: Southwestern College")
outhwestern College was put on probation, and a loss of its accreditation looms in the air.
According to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Southwestern was placed on probation on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation. One of the areas Southwestern needed to address was its online classes.
The commission also recommended the governing board adhere to its role as a policy-making body and not interfere with the authority and responsibility of the superintendent/president for college operations.
The commission said Southwestern must correct the deficiencies by October 2011. However, a review is scheduled for October 2010.
Annette Aguilar, an employee Southwestern College's Nursing Program, weighed in on the probation status.
"When I first heard about SWC's probation status I didn't even think to worry about the college losing its accreditation," Aguilar said. "I knew that SWC wasn't the only college placed on probation."
President Raj Chopra said Southwestern is working to fix the problems.
The probation problem at Southwestern came on the heels of three of its professors being suspended for allegedly "inciting" students to march to the superintendent's office.
Marked by many qualms in the administration and governing board, Southwestern College is back in the community spotlight. The Commission's report can be seen as a positive for the community college, Aguilar said.
"I think the college should take this probation status as a kick in the right direction and we can learn from our mistakes," she said.
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