In April 2009, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College underwent its decennial comprehensive evaluation for re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The evaluators found the college's classroom practices and services to students sound. The Commission awarded Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College five years of accreditation in November 2009, with a comprehensive site visit scheduled for 2013-2014.
In addition, however, evaluators expressed concern regarding Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's lean administrative structure, finances, and the institutional level of assessment of the general education curriculum. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's strategic plan, operational for six months at the time of the evaluation, was also an area of concern. As a result, the Commission placed Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College “on notice.”
"On notice" is defined by the Commission as "indicating that an institution is pursuing a course of action that, if continued, could lead it to be in jeopardy of no longer meeting one or more Criteria for Accreditation."
The role of "on notice" is to encourage an institution to take actions that produce results in the areas of concern. As the Commission's self-study process intends, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College identified some of the areas of concern in spring 2008 and has been working proactively since then on improvement projects. For more information on Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's actions and the results of our actions in each area of concern, and to read our quarterly progress reports, click on the following links:
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College remains a regionally-accredited institution. We are privileged to retain the support of our area legislators, the Chancellor's office of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as we do our work and continue to serve students through a tradition of excellence. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College values the opportunity for improvement given to us by the Higher Learning Commission, with whom the college has maintained a positive relationship for over a decade.
GPS Lifeplan 