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Bylaws

Accreditation Committee Submenu

  • Our Mission Statement:
    Merritt College puts students first. Through our rich educational programs, we foster a culture of equity and inclusion that empowers students to achieve their greatest potential and make meaningful contributions to their respective communities and our global society.

PURPOSE

The Accreditation Committee is designated to work with the Accreditation Steering Committee and Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) toward ensuring the college is in compliance with all accreditation standards.

 

CHARGE

  1. To review updates and changes to accreditation standards, eligibility requirements, and commission policies with the ALO (as documented by the ACCJC) and facilitate that the college is adhering to these standards.
  2. To discuss and recommend ways of tracking and capturing evidence that the college is in compliance with all standards.
  3. To communicate the college’s progress, strengths, and needs to the college and local community.
  4. To report on the college’s progress at the end of each semester to the College Council.
  5. Work with ALO appointee to ensure compliance with the required accreditation information (by the ACCJC) is published and accurate on the Merritt College website.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Voting

  1. Two (2) faculty representatives, appointed by the Merritt Academic Senate. Terms of office for all committee members should be 2 years, with members being able to succeed themselves if so, appointed by the Academic Senate and staggered to develop and retain experienced members.
  2. One (1) faculty representative from the SLOAC (Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment) Committee.
  3. Three (3) classified staff representatives, appointed by Classified Senate.
  4. Two (2) administrators, appointed by the College President.
  5. One (1) student representative appointed by the Associated Students of Merritt College (ASMC). The term of office will be one year. Reappointments will be allowed.
  6. The Accreditation Lisason Officer (ALO)

Non-Voting

  1. Any Accreditation Report Lead is invited as a non-voting, ex-officio member and will attend Accreditation Committee meetings, as needed, to facilitate completion of, or supplements to the ISER.
  2. Chairs of Participatory Governance Committees (including College Council, Budget, Facilities, Institutional Effectiveness, and Technology) are non-voting members and will attend Accreditation Committee meetings, as needed to share information from and with their committees.

 

APPOINTMENTS, VACANCIES, AND ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON

  1. During March/April of each year, the Accreditation Committee Chairperson will inform the Merritt Academic, Classified, and Student Senate Presidents of any vacancies for the following fall semester. Appointments to fill those vacancies will be forwarded to the Accreditation Committee Chairperson by May 30th.
  2. A vacancy may be declared when a member is absent for three Accreditation Committee meetings within one semester. The Accreditation Committee chair will then inform the appropriate Senate President(s) of the vacancy, who will appoint a replacement within two weeks.
  3. At the first meeting of this committee, the Accreditation Committee will elect a Chair from among its faculty members. No person may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms as Chairperson unless authorized by the Academic Senate.
  4. In the absence of the Chairperson, the ALO can lead or appoint a member to lead the meeting.

 

CHAIRPERSON DUTIES

The role of the faculty Chair includes the following:

  1. Prepare and post the agendas.
  2. Facilitate regular meetings.
  3. Responsible for ensuring minutes are taken and posted.
  4. Keep informed of accreditation standards.
  5. Report to Accreditation Steering Committee, within an ongoing accreditation process.

 

PROCEDURES

  1. Regular meetings will normally be held twice a month, but shall meet at least once a month, during the regular academic year. The Accreditation Committee Chairperson may call extra meetings if special needs require them.
  2. A quorum will be 5 of the active voting members. A quorum must be present in order for the Accreditation Committee to vote.
  3. The agenda, minutes of the previous meeting, and pertinent materials will be distributed to the following parties at least 72 hours preceding a scheduled meeting:
    • Posted for public viewing.
    • Accreditation Committee Members.
    • Campus Website (posted)
    • Other campus communication systems reaching all faculty and staff.

 

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the bylaws of the Accreditation Committee are made by written and adopted resolution of the College Council after consultation with the Accreditation Committee.

*Reviewed by the Accreditation Committee 8/2020
*Approved by the College Council 10/28/20