Compliance Audit Section I

Bill Buckler

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SECTION I: NOTESPRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY OF ACCREDITATION1.1 (2:35) Criterion: The Commission on Colleges supports the right ofan institution to pursue its established educational purpose; the right of fac-ulty members to teach, investigate and publish freely; and the right of stu-dents to have opportunities for learning. However, the exercise of theserights must not interfere with the overriding obligation of the institution tooffer its students a sound education leading to recognized certificates ordegree.Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation SuggestionXRESPONSEBroward Community College is strongly committed to the philosophythat its foremost obligation as an institution of higher learning is to offer its stu-dents a sound education leading to recognized certificates and degrees. Thisphilosophy is evidenced by the institution’s record of appointing outstandingfaculty members with qualifications that far exceed the minimum requirementsfor employment, and by providing ongoing staff and program developmentopportunities in support of publication and research. To further ensure soundeducational outcomes for its students, BCC fully adheres to the formalizedstatewide articulation agreement that provides for comparable learning out-comes among all of Florida’s public postsecondary institutions. Accountabilityfor ensuring that students receive a sound education is still further provided inFlorida law, which prescribes placement testing, general ...

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SECTION I: PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY OF ACCREDITATION

1.1 (2:35) Criterion: on Colleges supports the right ofThe Commission an institution to pursue its established educational purpose; the right of fac- ulty members to teach, investigate and publish freely; and the right of stu- dents to have opportunities for learning. However, the exercise of these rightsmustnot interfere with the overriding obligation of the institution to offer its students a sound education leading to recognized certificates or degree.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College is strongly committed to the philosophy that its foremost obligation as an institution of higher learning is to offer its stu- dents a sound education leading to recognized certificates and degrees. This philosophy is evidenced by the institution’s record of appointing outstanding faculty members with qualifications that far exceed the minimum requirements for employment, and by providing ongoing staff and program development opportunities in support of publication and research. To further ensure sound educational outcomes for its students, BCC fully adheres to the formalized statewide articulation agreement that provides for comparable learning out- comes among all of Florida’s public postsecondary institutions. Accountability for ensuring that students receive a sound education is still further provided in Florida law, which prescribes placement testing, general education require- ments, and the mastery of communication and computation skills through the State-mandated College Level Academic Skills Program. DOCUMENTATION •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, Volume One, Section II, Administration, Policy 6Hx2-2.05, pp.1-3 •Broward Community College 2001-2002 Catalog, p. 21 •Florida State Board of Education Administrative Rules6A-14.024, FAC •Florida Statutes, Chapters 229.551 and 240.233 • List of BCC Faculty Publications • Faculty Roster • Staff and Program Development Travel and Program Log, 2000-2001 • Articulation Report • List of funded Staff and Program Development projects, 2000-2001

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1.1: Institutional Commitment and Responsibilities in the Accreditation Process 1.1 (5:4) Criterion: An institutionis requiredto conduct a self-study at the interval specified by the Commission on Colleges and, at the conclusion of the self-study, accept an honest and forthright peer assessment of institu- tional strengths and weaknesses.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Since receiving its initial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1963, Broward Community College has consistently complied with the periodic self-study requirements as specified by the Commission on Colleges. The college welcomes the attendant peer review process, and following each self-study, the institution has fully implemented all required changes pursuant to recommendations of the SACS Visiting Committee. DOCUMENTATION • Letter of commitment from BCC President to Commission on Colleges (9/28/2000) • Previous SACS Self-Study reports and follow-up plans 1.1 (5:8) Criterion: The Commissionrequiresthat the self-study assess every aspect of the institution; involve personnel from all segments of the institution, including faculty, staff, students, administration and governing boards; and provide a comprehensive analysis of the institution, identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College fully recognizes the importance of the compliance audit component of the alternative model self-study. Thus, in elect- ing to conduct the alternative model self-study for its anticipated reaffirmation of accreditation in 2003, the college undertook a comprehensive analysis of its compliance with all aspects of the SACSCriteria.This analysis involved indi- viduals from all areas of the institution, and has resulted in a study that thor- oughly describes the institution’s strengths and weaknesses. DOCUMENTATION •Broward Community College Compliance Audit Report • SACS Self-Study Committee rosters

1.1 (5:14) Criterion: In addition, the Commissionrequiresan adequate institutional follow-up plan to address issues identified in the self-study.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X RESPONSE Broward Community College embraced the self-study process with the goal of identifying both strengths and weaknesses and a commitment to improving institutional processes and practices wherever needed. It is the inten- tion of BCC to address the findings of the self-study, as directed by the Commission on Colleges in itsHandbook for Institutional Self-Study: The Alternative Modelof the compliance audit report. Based on, within the context those findings, the college intends to develop and implement a comprehensive follow-up plan as soon as possible. DOCUMENTATION •Broward Community College Compliance Audit Report • SACS Self-Study reports and follow-up plans •Handbook for Institutional Self-Study, The Alternative Model 1.1 (5:17) Criterion: An institutionmustbe committed to participation in the activities and decisions of the Commission. This commitment includes a willingness to participate in the decision-making processes of the Commission and adherence to all policies and procedures, including those for reporting changes within the institution.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College has demonstrated a long and continuous commitment to participate in the activities and decisions of the Commission. Besides the present alternative self-study for reaffirmation of accreditation, the college has conducted all required self-studies since receiving its initial accred- itation in 1963 as well as all required follow-up reports. The college president has served as chair of the Criteria and Reports Committee, on the Executive Committee, and as chair of the Florida state delegation. Numerous BCC administrators have also served as SACS evaluators on visiting committees. The college has consistently adhered to all Commission policies and procedures, including substantive change reporting requirements. In 1995, BCC submitted a substantive change request to the Commission for permission to offer the Physical Therapist Assistant program via compressed video to students at Edison Community College in Fort Myers, Florida. A year later the college submitted another substantive change request relating to its Singapore affilia- tion. DOCUMENTATION • Letter from BCC President to Commission on Colleges Executive Director (9/28/2000)

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• Broward Community College Proposal for Alternative Self-Study • Substantive change reports and follow-up reports • List of BCC SACS evaluators 1.1 (5:26) Criterion: An institution of higher educationis committedto the search for knowledge and its dissemination. Integrity in the pursuit of knowledgeis expectedto govern the total environment of an institution. Each member institutionis responsiblefor ensuring integrity in all opera- tions dealing with its constituencies, in its relations with other member insti- tutions, and in its accreditation activities with the Commission on Colleges.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE The Broward Community College District Board of Trustees, adminis- tration, faculty, and staff are committed to the belief that the fundamental pur- pose of the institution is the search for and dissemination of knowledge. At the same time, the pursuit of knowledge must be performed in a highly profession- al and ethical manner. Broward Community College is recognized in South Florida, and on the state, national, and international levels as an institution that operates with the highest degree of integrity. The Commission on Colleges can expect that Broward Community College will continue to operate with integri- ty in its relationships with its constituencies, with other member entities, and with the Commission. 1.1 (5:33) Criterion: Each institutionmustprovide the Commission access to all parts of its operation and to provide complete and accurate infor- mation about the institution’s affairs, including reports of other accrediting, licensing and auditing agencies.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College welcomes the opportunity for the Commission to review all aspects of its operations, including all institutional records and reports prepared for external agencies. The college has always sought to provide complete and accurate information to the Commission in documents such as the annualInstitutional Profile for General Information and Enrollment Data. TheCompliance Audit Reportis the result of a comprehensive analysis of all operational components of the institution, supported by extensive documentation. Broward Community College has consistantly provided com- plete information and given access to the Commission regarding the status of the institution’s affairs. DOCUMENTATION • Letter from BCC President to Commission on Colleges Executive Director   (9/28/00)

• Listing of all programs accredited by external agencies other than SACS with supporting documentation • SACSInstitutional Profile for General Information and Enrollment Data, Fall 2000 and Fall 2001 • For official audit reports, please refer to Section VI of theCompliance Audit Report 1.1 (6:3) Criterion: In the spirit of collegiality, institutionsare expected to cooperate fully during all aspects of the process of evaluation: preparations for site visits, the site visit itself, and the follow up to the site visit.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College has always taken seriously its responsibil- ities regarding full cooperation and preparation for evaluation site visits. As indicated in the president’s letter of September 28, 2000 to the Executive Director of the Commission on Colleges, the institution intends to fulfill its obligations by continuing the spirit of cooperation during the current evalua- tion process. Past visiting committees have acknowledged the full and collegial cooperation of college faculty and staff. The college will make every effort to ensure that a spirit of collegiality pervades the 2002 reaffirmation visit. DOCUMENTATION • Letter from BCC President to Commission on Colleges Executive Director (9/28/00) • Final documentation of past visits

1.1 (6:7) Criterion: Institutionsare expectedto provide the Commission or its representatives with information requested and to maintain an atmos- phere of openness and cooperation during evaluations, enabling evaluators to perform their duties with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College has always provided the Commission on Colleges (COC) with all requested information and will continue to do so. Furthermore, ensuring an atmosphere of openness and cooperation during evaluation has always been, and will continue to be, an important and evident aspect of the institutional culture at BCC. It is anticipated that the COC eval- uators will be able to perform their activities throughout the college in a most efficient and effective manner, as they review the findings of the self-study and evaluate the institution. DOCUMENTATION • SACSInstitutional Profile for General Information and Enrollment Data,

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Fall 2000 and Fall 2001 • BCC Proposal for Alternative Self-Study •Broward Community College Self-Study Report for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1992 •Broward Community College Addendum to the Self-Study Report for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1992 1.1 (6:13) Criteria: Each participating institutionmustbe in compliance with its program responsibilities under Title IV of the 1992 Higher Education Amendments.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE In June 1995, the United States Department of Education, Institutional Participation and Oversight Service, informed Broward Community College that the institution satisfies the definition of an eligible institution under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). Broward Community College is qualified to participate in programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and the Federal Student Financial Assistance Program (Title IV, HEA Programs). DOCUMENTATION • Letter from the United States Department of Education to Dr. Willis Holcombe, June 11, 1998 • Program Participation Agreements signed by Dr. Holcombe on October 23, 1997 and August 22, 2001 1.1 (6:22) Criterion: Each institution seeking candidacy, membership or reaffirmation with the Commission on Collegesmustdocument its compli- ance with the Conditions of Eligibility as outlined in Section 1.4.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE The college is in compliance with the Conditions of Eligibility as noted below: 1. Broward Community College affirms that it will continue to comply with all Criteria for Accreditationthe College Delegate Assembly; that it will allow theof Commission on Colleges to make known the nature of any action regarding the college’s status with the Commission; and that it will comply with all Commission requests, directives, decisions, and policies, and will make com- plete, accurate, and honest disclosure. 2. The Florida Legislature has granted Broward Community College the authority to operate within the state’s system of public community colleges.

3. The Governor of the State of Florida appoints the governing board of Broward Community College. The current governing board consists of five members, although the board has, within its purview, the option of expanding to seven members. The governing board, known as the District Board of Trustees, is the legal body responsible for the college; it is not controlled by a minority of board members, and its presiding officer has no conflicting interest with the college. Appropriate continuity of the board is ensured by the fact that the members are appointed and serve staggered terms. 4. The chief executive officer of the college is the president who reports to the board. The president’s primary responsibility is to the college. 5. Broward Community College has been in continuous operation and has enrolled students since the 1960-61 academic year. 6. Broward Community College offers one Associate in Arts degree program, thirty-six Associate in Science degree programs, twenty-two Associate in Applied Science degree programs, and thirty-two technical certificate pro- grams. The degree programs are based on at least two academic years at the associate level. These programs are compatible with the purpose of the college and are based on fields of study appropriate to higher education. 7. The college has a clearly defined statement of purpose appropriate to higher education. This statement is publicized in the college catalog, student hand- book and other appropriate college documents. 8. Broward Community College has a strong planning and evaluation process as discussed in Section III of the Self-Study. 9. Broward Community College publishes its admission policy in the Broward Community College catalog, theBroward Community College Student Handbook and Academic Planner, and other appropriate documents. The admission policy is reviewed annually by appropriate staff and modifications are recommended to the District Board of Trustees for approval. The admission policies are com- patible with Broward Community College’s mission statement. 10. All degree programs at Broward Community College contain a substantial component of general education courses. General education requirements for degree programs include courses from the communications, humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and the natural sciences/mathematics disci- plines. 11. Broward Community College employs approximately 400 teaching and non-teaching faculty members. This number is more than adequate to provide effective teaching, advising, and scholarly or creative work. 12. Broward Community College has excellent library/learning resources part- nerships with the Broward County Public Library System on the North and South campuses. The Central Campus of Broward Community College has Florida Atlantic University as its library partner. The combination of person- nel, print and non-print materials, technology, access to library databases, cou- pled with the aid and assistance of county and university partners, all contribute to the fact that Broward Community College has outstanding learning resources and technology to support its courses, programs and degrees.

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13. Broward Community College has an adequate financial base to accomplish its purpose on a continuing basis. Financial records are provided which accu- rately represent the total operation of the college. DOCUMENTATION • SeeCompliance Audit Report,Section 1.4.

1.2: Application of the Criteria

1.2 (7:4) Criterion: An institutionmustrefrain from making a substantive change, defined as a significant modification in the nature or scope of an institution or its programs, except in accordance with the Commission’s "Substantive Change Policy for Accredited Institutions" and its attendant procedures. All existing or planned activitiesmustbe reported according to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the Commission on Colleges and mustbe in compliance with theCriteria.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College is in compliance with the Commission’s "General Substantive Change Policy for Accredited Institutions." The college has successfully implemented two substantive changes since its last reaffirma- tion of accreditation in 1993. The institution’s accreditation was extended to cover the delivery of the Physical Therapist Assistant program via compressed video to students at Edison Community College in Fort Myers, Florida in 1995, as well as to the instructional program at the Singapore affiliation in 1996. DOCUMENTATION • Letter from Commission on Colleges Executive Director to BCC President, November 6, 1998 • Substantive Change Reports for Physical Therapist and Singapore Programs 1.2 (7:31) Criterion: Each institutionmusthave adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE The college has implemented adequate procedures for addressing writ- ten student complaints. These procedures are described in theBroward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, the Broward Community College catalog, and theBroward Community College Student Handbook and Academic Planner. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the Broward Community

College professional staff may deal with student written and verbal complaints in a variety of ways. Complaints deemed to be of a minor nature might be referred to a faculty member, department head, dean, provost or vice president for resolution with the student. Students who do not receive satisfactory responses to their complaints may appeal their complaints up the administrative organization to the Office of the President. It should be noted that very few stu- dent complaints are appealed to the Office of the President. Complaints of a more serious nature, i.e., grade appeals, discrimination, sexual harassment/battery/assault, or any complaint involving non-instruction- al issues, fall under BCC Policy and Procedure 6Hx2-5.23. DOCUMENTATION •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, SectionVolume One, IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.02, p. 1; Procedure 6Hx2-4.02, p 1 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.03, p.1 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.04, p.1; Procedure 6Hx2-4.04, pp.1-3 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.05, p.1; Procedure 6Hx2-4.05, p. 1 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.07, p1; Procedure 6Hx2-4.07, p. 1 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.09, pp.1-2; Procedure 6Hx2- 4.09, pp. 1-3 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.11, pp. 1-2; Procedure 6Hx2- 4.11, pp. 1-12 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.18, pp. 1-2 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.19, pp. 1-8 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume One, Section IV, Academic Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-4.20, p.1 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, Volume Two, Section V, Student Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-5.01, pp. 1-5; Procedure 6Hx2-5.01, pp. 1-5 •Broward Community College Policy Manual,Volume Two, Section V, Student Affairs, Policy 6Hx2-5.23 p.1. •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, Policy 6Hx2- 5.25,Volume Two, Section V, Student Affairs pp.1-3 •Broward Community College 2001-2002 Catalog,pp. 51-56 •Broward Community College 2001-2002 Student Handbook and Academic Planner,pp. 36-60 • Grade appeal pamphlet and form •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume Two, Section V, Policy 6Hx2-5.02, pp. 1-3; Procedure 6Hx2-5.02, pp. 1-3 •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual,Volume Two, Section V, Policy 6Hx2-5.20, p. 1; Procedure 6Hx2-5.20, pp. 1-3 • Grade appeal pamphlet and form

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1.3: Separately Accredited Unit 1.3 (8:22) Criterion: A unit isrequiredto apply for separate accreditation or to maintain separate membership if, in the judgment of the Commission, the unit exercises this level of autonomy. If an institution seeks separately accredited status for one of its units, itmustnotify the Executive Director of the Commission on Colleges of its intent and follow procedures established by the Commission.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE BCC has no separately accredited units and does not seek separately accredited status for any of its units.

1.4: Conditions of Eligibility 1.4 (9:1) Criterion: Any institution seeking candidacymustdocument its compliance with each of the thirteen Conditions of Eligibility to be author- ized initiation of a self-study, or to be awarded candidacy or candidacy renewal. In addition, the institutionmustprovide evidence that it is capable of complying with all requirements of theCriteriaand that it will be in com- pliance by the end of the period allowed for candidacy.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE This Criterion does not apply to BCC, as the college is not applying for candidacy or candidacy renewal.

1.4 (9:9) Criterion: The Conditions of Eligibility are basic qualifications which an institution of higher educationmustmeet to be accredited by the Commission on Colleges. Accredited institutionsmustalso demonstrate compliance with theCriteria for Accreditationwhich holds institutions to appropriately higher standards of quality.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE Broward Community College recognizes that the Conditions of Eligibility are the basic qualifications to be met in order to receive full accred-

itation by the Commission on Colleges. In addition, the college recognizes that the Commission on Colleges requires that the college demonstrate compliance with theCriteria for Accreditation.There is ample evidence throughout this report that Broward Community College not only meets but often exceeds the minimum requirements as established in theCriteria for Accreditation. DOCUMENTATION • Letter of commitment from BCC President to Commission on Colleges (9/28/2000) 1.4 (9:21) Criterion: In obtaining or maintaining accreditation with the Commission on Colleges, an institutionagreesto the following: (a) that it will comply with theCriteria for Accreditationof the College Delegate Assembly consistent with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges; (b) that the Commission on Colleges, at its discretion, may make known to any agency or member of the public requiring such information, the nature of any action, positive or negative, regarding the institution’s sta- tus with the Commission; and (c) that it will comply with Commission requests, directives, decisions and policies, and will make complete, accurate and honest disclosure. Failure to do so is sufficient reason, in and of itself, for the Commission to impose a sanction, or to deny or revoke candidacy or accreditation.

Compliance Non-compliance Recommendation Suggestion X

RESPONSE The District Board of Trustees, the president, faculty, and administra- tive staff of Broward Community College are familiar with theCriteria for Accreditationas established by the College Delegate Assembly of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Throughout its history, Broward Community College has encouraged faculty, staff, and administration to partic- ipate in the accreditation process by serving on visiting committees. The knowledge and experience gained from these visits has been shared with the college as a whole. Inherent in the college’s commitment to the accreditation process is the understanding and acknowledgement of the authority of the Commission on Colleges to publicize the nature of any and all actions regard- ing the college’s status with the Commission. It should also to be noted that Broward Community College will continue to comply with all Commission requests, decisions and policies and will make complete, accurate and honest disclosure of information upon request by the Commission. DOCUMENTATION •Broward Community College Policy and Procedure Manual, Volume One, Section II, Administration, Policy 6Hx2-2.03, p.1; Procedure 6Hx2-2.03,pp. 1-2 • List of BCC faculty and staff who have served as SACS evaluators • Letter of commitment from BCC President to Commission on Colleges (9/28/00)

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