After two years of planning, data gathering, thoughtful analysis, and preparation for our Self-Study report and a re-affirmation of PVCC’s accreditation, we were recommended for another full 10-year accreditation by the visiting team of consultant-evaluators (CEs). The team of nine consultant-evaluators (CEs) visited our campus from Feb. 28 through Mar. 2, 2005. These professionals were carefully selected by the HLC from trained and experienced administrators and faculty from colleges and universities throughout the North Central region. (News release - March 3, 2005)

Since we, as a college, have a firm commitment to the Learning-Centered College philosophy, I believe that it is important to keep in mind what we have discovered during these past two years and to learn from the evaluation process itself. Certainly, during the discovery stage we learned a great deal about how we go about educating students and fulfilling the college’s mission of service. What’s more, we learned much about communications — communicating the findings of the Self-Study to various internal and external constituent groups, involving the greatest number in the structure and procedure. And we will decidedly learn as we review and process the observations and recommendations of the consultant-evaluators.

The HLC exit interview and report was presented to the campus at large on Wednesday, Mar. 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Studio Theatre. All were invited to attend. But that, of course, will not be the last step. It’s up to us now to put into place those recommendations suggested by the CEs, in essence “closing the loop.” I believe their suggestions to be a positive force for the improvement of the college’s programs and services.

A sincere thank you to every one at the college—for your hours of work, your resourcefulness and engagement in the Self-Study. Earlier on, we chose “Reflecting Today—Creating Tomorrow” as our theme. It has served us well. Now, on to a bright shining tomorrow!

A special welcome to any visitors to our Self-Study web site. PVCC's efforts to use the Self-Study process as a powerful organizational learning experience provided the basis for this web site as a means to capture the whole process. Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Kay Kickels
President