Evaluators impressed with Adams State off-campus programs (11-28-07)
An evaluation team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) said it would recommend approval of Adams State College's request to offer bachelor's and master's degree programs in education anywhere in Colorado, without prior approval of individual sites from the Commission. The approval would apply to both state-funded and cash-funded programs.
"We were struck by the focus on your mission to serve rural Colorado, and to support the region economically and culturally," said Dr. Renee A. Neely of Eastern New Mexico University, who chaired a three-person consultant/evaluator team that visited Adams State Nov. 12-13. "It was evident on campus that the college really embraces this mission and has the structures in place to support it. Your commitment to offer quality programs and your focus on their continuous improvement are commendable."
The site visit team also included Dr. Stephen D. Dempsey of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Dr. William J. Lowe of Metropolitan State University, St. Paul.
Adams State President, Dr. David Svaldi, said: "The outcome of this focused visit is further evidence that ASC staff and faculty walk the talk of our mission. Special recognition and thanks for hard work well done should go to Dr. McCartney, Dr. Starnaman and Traci Bishop. Additionally, those dedicated faculty who have taught and teach in our off campus degree programs also deserve a big thank you."
Dr. Sandra Starnaman, Associate Provost for the Extended Campus, added: "Our department of Teacher Education and Extended Studies have worked together since the inception of the Rural Education Access Program in 2000 to ensure that the distance degree elementary education licensure program is aligned with on-campus criteria. The on-going work of ASC faculty and staff was validated by the HLC team approval. I can't say 'thank you' enough to these dedicated individuals."
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States, overseeing 20 states. Last spring, HLC approved Adams State for continued ten-year accreditation.
November's visit dealt specifically with Adams State's off-site programs for a Master's of Arts in education and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with elementary education licensure.
"We are thrilled with the team's recommendation for 'no prior approval needed' status for our MA in Education," said Adams State Associate Provost for the Graduate Studies, Dr. Teri McCartney. "Adams State's graduate programs have been meeting the needs of rural Colorado since the early 1980s. With this HLC status, we can continue to serve school districts across the state by taking our programs to their areas."
The graduate program is currently offered in Pueblo, Eagle Co., La Junta, Canon City, Trinidad, Cortez, and Durango. The college is recruiting students for new programs to be offered in Haxton, Ellicott, and Steamboat Springs
The bachelor's program is offered in cooperation with several community colleges: Arapahoe Community College in Douglas County, Morgan Community College, Lamar Community College, Otero Junior College in La Junta, and Trinidad State Junior College. Adams State is also working with Arapahoe and Pueblo community colleges to offer a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with Emphasis in Literacy and Licensure in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Early Childhood Education next fall.
The evaluation team also noted the quality of the college's faculty, both on and off campus, and such endeavors as the new Academic Instructional Technology Center, which supports distance education students enrolled in online courses.
"These testify to your ability to serve Colorado through distance education," Neely said.
Extended Studies
The Graduate School
Higher Learning Commission (312) 263-0456
By Julie Waechter
