News Story by Alyssa Brown

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous News Stories | Send mail to The Voice Multnomah seeks early NASCU accreditation in 2005 Multnomah Bible College's accreditation committee is petitioning the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities to complete accreditation in 2005 instead of 2006 as scheduled. NASCU is the regional authority on the quality of institutions of higher education in the Northwest. The association provides assurance to other schools and to prospective students that the accredited school meets certain institutional and educational standards. The standards encompass educational programs and their effectiveness, mission and goals of the institution, faculty, and library and information resources. Finances and administration are also considered. Academic dean Dr. Wayne Strickland, MBC accreditation liaison officer, leads the steering committee. He cited college improvement and ease of student transfer as two benefits to NASCU accreditation. NASCU's accreditation will apply to students who graduate the May prior to acceptance. The accreditation will not be retroactive. Dr. Strickland said accreditation is a "very costly endeavor." It is also a time-intensive project. As part of the process, each division and department must evaluate itself and others. Dr. Daniel Scalberg, chair of the history department, has been active in improving the arts and sciences division. "I think accreditation is the most important thing [Multnomah Bible College] will do for its students this decade," he said. The first step of the accreditation process is an application for NASCU to consider candidacy. The college may be granted candidacy after completing a self-study and peer evaluation. Multnomah must repeat these studies every year-and-a-half to demonstrate the ability to meet accreditation standards within the five-year limit. MBC achieved candidacy in June, 2001. During the candidacy period, the college must comply with NASCU standards. MBC's next evaluation will take place in October, 2004. At the end of five years, a final report and evaluation determine whether NASCU will grant or deny accreditation. For MBC, the final evaluation should occur in June, 2006. Because of rapid progress and success of the last evaluation, the steering committee is petitioning to move the final evaluation to 2005. Multnomah is already accredited with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. Secular institutions recognize NASCU. Dr. Strickland said he sees membership as an opportunity for MBC to be "salt and light" to the 156 other institutions on the NASCU membership list. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous News Stories | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2003 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.