Merritt College Accreditation

President's Welcome Dr. Robert Adams

Welcome to Merritt College’s accreditation website. Accreditation is the process for evaluating and assuring the quality of education used by the American higher education community. It is a uniquely American quality-assurance process through which institutions collectively set standards for good practice, conduct peer-based evaluations of institutions on a regular basis, confer accredited status on institutions, and make the results of accreditation known to the public. Through accreditation, the higher education community shoulders the responsibility for monitoring the quality of the programs and services of member institutions [see website for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges at www.accjc.org.

We have developed this website to provide information to our community on institutional planning, instructional and student services programs, and the progress of the college on meeting accreditation standards. The college is currently assessing its program review and planning & budgeting processes. This assessment will inform us regarding areas needing improvement.

Merritt College is committed to assessing learning outcomes for courses, programs, and services, and is the recipient of several state and federal grants to design programs intended to enhance student success.

Dr. Robert Adams

Accreditation

Merritt College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of the six national accrediting agencies. The University of California, California State University, and all other accredited colleges and universities give full credit for equivalent courses taken at Merritt College. Pertinent course work offered by the college has been approved by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, the State Department of Education, and the Veterans Administration.

Merritt College Mission Statement

The mission of Merritt College is to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve by helping students to attain knowledge, master skills, and develop the appreciation, attitudes and values needed to succeed and participate responsibly in a democratic society.

To accomplish its mission the College provides open access to excellent instructional programs and comprehensive support services in a culturally rich, caring and supportive learning environment.

Our purpose is to provide opportunities for lifelong learning, contribute to the economic growth of our communities while assisting students to attain degrees and certificates, earn credits to transfer and develop the skills necessary to complete their educational goals.

Merritt College Core Values

Student Success - We provide challenging and rigorous learning experiences that support the academic and personal success of our students.

Caring Spirit - We genuinely care about every member of our campus community.

Teamwork and Inclusion - We encourage everyone to participate in college governance and assume responsibility for acting on our shared commitment to provide exceptional learning experiences.

Campus Climate - We strive to create a student-centered learning environment that leads to student retention, persistence and success.

Diversity - We honor and respect the different backgrounds, experiences, languages, values and cultures of everyone at the college.

Merritt College Vision

Merritt College will:

Create learning experiences that stimulate intellectual curiosity and empower students to communicate effectively, think creatively, and embrace their potential.
Prepare students to become the future leaders of our interconnected global society.
Engage the community as an active participant and resource through creative partnerships.

Affirmed as corrected by College Council: 12/17/2008