(Gardner)–Mount Wachusett Community College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit April 7-10, 2002, by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is one of eight accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 200 institutions in the six-state New England region.

Mount Wachusett Community College has been accredited by the Commission since 1968 and was last reviewed in 1997. Its accreditation by the New England Association encompasses the entire institution.

For the past year and a half, Mount Wachusett Community College has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the commission’s Standards for Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the commission a continuing status for the institution; following a review proves, the commission itself will take the final action.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution to:

Public Comment on Mount Wachusett Community College
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
209 Burlington Road
Bedford, MA 01730-1433

Email: cihe@neasc.org

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. Comments will not be treated as confidential

Written, signed comments must be received by April 10, 2002. The commission cannot guarantee that comments received after the due date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address and telephone number of the person providing the comments.

The commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators or members of other groups. Individuals considering submitting complaints against an affiliated institution should request the separate Policy and Procedures for the Consideration of Complaints made Against Affiliated Institutions from the Commission office.