CC 2012-10-23_08.e. Accreditation of Cuesta CollegeMEMORANDUM
TO: CIN COUNCIL
FROM:
4
TERESA MCCLISH, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT
OF THE ACCREDITATION OF CUESTA COLLEGE
DATE: OCTOBER 23,2012
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution in support of the continued
accreditation of Cuesta College.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
No financial impact.
BACKGROUND:
Cuesta College is an accredited community college in San Luis Obispo that offers
classes at their south county center at Arroyo Grande High School. Since 1963, Cuesta
College has provided transfer, career, developmental and continuing education
programs that offer rich scholastic and training opportunities for students and residents,
in addition to the cultural events that it hosts. The college has been placed on "show
cause" status by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges,
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC) for deficiencies in administrative
planning procedures.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The College is preparing a report addressing the accreditation deficiencies and for a
team visit by ACCJC at the end of the month. The agency will issue a formal report in
late January 2013. The College continues to work towards remaining an accredited
community college as demonstrated by numerous strategic, master and operational
plans completed and available on the institution's public web site. Their administration
has been briefing community members on these efforts through a number of meetings
held around the County.
The College provides an important resource for south county residents, including
educational and training opportunities offered at both the Arroyo Grande High School
campus and the main Cuesta campus. Therefore, maintaining accreditation is
important. Loss of accreditation could result in closure of the college. Surveys
conducted by Cal Poly students in 2010 for the City's General Plan update indicates a
strong desire for a south county Cuesta College campus in Arroyo Grande. The
Item 8.e. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE
ACCREDITATION OF CUESTA COLLEGE
OCTOBER 23,2012
PAGE 2
College has a tremendous impact on the local economy both as an employment center
as well as training highly qualified employees.
Staff has prepared a Resolution to communicate the City's support for Cuesta College
to the ACCJC. Other jurisdictions are adopting similar measures.
ALTERNATIVES:
- Adopt the Resolution;
- Modify and adopt the Resolution;
- Do not adopt the Resolution;
- Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
A Resolution supporting Cuesta College's accreditation would show the City's support
to the visiting ACCJC team who are arriving on Monday, October 29, 2012.
DISADVANTAGES:
There are no disadvantages identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
There is no environmental review required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, October 18, 2012. The
Agenda and staff report were posted on the City's website on Friday, October 19, 2012.
Item 8.e. - Page 2
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE ClTY COUNCIL OF THE ClTY OF
ARROYO GRANDE SUPPOR'TING 'THE AFFIRMATION OF
ACCREDITATION FOR CUESTA COLLEGE
WHEREAS, Since 1963, Cuesta College has provided transfer, career, developmental
and continuing education programs that offer rich scholastic and training opportunities
for students and residents, in addition to the cultural events that it hosts; and
WHEREAS, Cuesta College has tremendous impact on the local economy both as an
employer as well as preparing students to be highly qualified employees (800
employees and 10,000 students); and
WHEREAS, Cuesta College continues to work towards remaining an accredited
community college as demonstrated by evidence on the institution's public web site.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo
Grande hereby supports the administration, faculty, staff and students as they move
forward in reaffirming its accreditation status.
On motion by Council Member , seconded by Council Member I
and by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
-The foregoing Resolution was adopted this 23rd day of October, 2012.
Item 8.e. - Page 3
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
TONY FERRARA, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 8.e. - Page 4