SJC Accreditation History
The history of San Juan College’s accreditation started in 1973 when it received accreditation status as a branch of New Mexico State University. In the 1980’s San Juan College was awarded a transfer of accreditation from New Mexico State University, San Juan Campus to San Juan College.
San Juan College continuous efforts for quality improvement was honored in 2000 with the Zia Award for Quality New Mexico. The only educational institution in the state to receive its highest quality award, San Juan College continues to improve its processes and procedures through the application of quality criteria and practices.
In 2000, San Juan College was selected by Higher Learning Commission to participate in the Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP). The AQIP model is a systematic, on-going approach to institutional accreditation based on continuous quality improvement principles and processes.
The College is currently engaged in a number of AQIP activities, including the implementation of institutional Action Projects designed to focus and organize quality initiatives, and the development of its Systems Portfolio. The Systems Portfolio is used by the College to take stock of its overall systems and processes for ensuring quality programs and services; the Portfolio will inform institutional decisions regarding future Action Projects and strategic planning.
The Higher Learning Commission accreditation allows an institution to select either the traditional accreditation or continuous improvement through the AQIP process. San Juan College has elected to participate in the AQIP program and has completed two System Portfolios to date, both of which have been reviewed by external readers who recommended full accreditation on both occasions.
San Juan College is committed to implement the Quality Matters Standards for the design of online courses, and we are systematically building and evaluating our courses based on these rigorous, research-based standards. The Quality Matters Standards assure that the online components of these courses promote learner engagement and provide students with all the tools and information they need to be successful learners. More information regarding Quality Matters may be found at http://www.qualitymatters.org/.
San Juan College received Quality Matters approval of a three-year implementation plan in September, 2016. The plan includes the professional development goals and the number of courses that will undergo Quality Matters reviews in the plan period. The College met all of the first year professional development goals and is on track to meet the eight certified courses goal.
Faculty and staff completing professional development = 172
Workshops and certifications completed = 253
San Juan College General Education Assessment Plan
The San Juan College General Education Assessment Plan ensure that each of the New Mexico General Education Competencies and Skills are being met by San Juan College students as they complete their general education courses. The plan outlines the process San Juan College uses to assess student work and determine if the Component Skills in the New Mexico General Education Essential Skills are being met.