The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association
of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC) accredits community colleges and other associate degree
granting institutions in the Western region of the U.S. The ACCJC is one of seven
regional accrediting commissions. The ACCJC is authorized to operate by the U.S. Department
of Education through the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.
For more from the ACCJC, go to accjc.org, or click here.
Accreditation Reference Handbook: This Handbook contains the Eligibility Requirements for initial accreditation and
reaffirmation of accreditation, the ACCJC Accreditation Standards, and all Commission
policies.
Guide to Evaluating and Improving Institutions: This Guide contains questions that might be asked about institutional quality as
each Accreditation Standard is considered.
Accreditation Standards (Adopted June 2014)
ACCJC Educational Series
Consistent with its mission and strategic plan, ACCJC works to increase communication with its member institutions to advance educational quality and student learning and achievement. The short videos in these different series present content that supplements the other resources, policies, and guides ACCJC has available on its website. In addition, ACCJC staff and college liaisons work in collaboration with Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALOs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to provide needed services and resources that assist colleges with their accreditation efforts.
This series replaces the former Accreditation Basics 101 Training with updated content on different topics related to accreditation.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Positive student learning outcomes are the primary goal of San Diego City College. As a student-centered institution, we pride ourselves at putting students at the center of all we do. We are committed to quality and continuous improvement, and welcome the accreditation process as a vital element of our ongoing improvement efforts.
Accreditation standards reflect standards of good practice. The standards were developed by professional peers (faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the public) and reflect minimum conditions of quality and service for accredited institutions. Maintaining an accredited status is a collective responsibility of all members of the San Diego City College community.
Being an accredited institution allows our students to receive financial aid and transfer credits to other institutions.