City College SF Likely To Retain Accreditation As College Commission Changes Rules
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is expected to retain its accreditation and will not be forced to close. On Wednesday, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) proposed new rules in a turn of events.
The college was on track to lose its accreditation by July 31st because of financial issues, insufficient student services, outdated teaching guidelines and antiquated computer systems.
City College SF Likely To Retain Accreditation As College Commission Changes Rules
The 19-member ACCJC is proposing new rules that would allow the struggling school to request up to two years to come into full compliance with accrediting standards.
Commission spokesman Dave Hyams said it's not a free pass, but is part of a "careful process" that holds the college accountable for implementing new practices that meet standards of quality within the time-frame given.
State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who fought to keep the college open, told KCBS it's a bittersweet decision and that "we should have never gotten to this point" to begin with. He added that the commission's decision was gratifying and is welcoming the move.
"There are still issues to be settled, but it gives people a chance to breathe," Ammiano said.
CCSF has said it would need at least 18 months to meet governance, fiscal oversight, and academic planning standards.
Thousands of students have left the school in its two years of an uncertain future. The low enrollment added to speculation of a closure since state funding wouldn't remain intact with the low numbers.
Nearly 80,000 students attend the college, many of which would have no other educational options if it were to shutter.
