NMCC earns continued accreditation through NECHE; College commended for responsiveness to workforce needs

Aroostook County – Following a comprehensive evaluation, Northern Maine Community College has been approved for continued accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Notification to the institution included positive commendations in several areas. NMCC was commended for its deeply committed and dedicated employees, its responsiveness to workforce needs by developing and implementing high quality innovative program, for providing an excellent learning environment, and for its strong relationships with businesses and industry.

The positive report follows a two-year process that began in October 2016 when NMCC representatives attended the Commission’s Self-Study Workshop. Subsequently, Arts & Science department chair David Raymond and Eric Pelkey, humanities faculty member, were named as co-chairs to guide the campus through the self-study process. The report examined nine areas on campus or standards identified by NECHE, including: mission and purpose, planning and evaluation, organization and governance, academic programs, students, teaching, learning and scholarship, institutional, educational effectiveness and integrity, transparency, and public disclosure.

The preparation of the self-study involved most of the personnel of the college—administrators, faculty, staff, and students—who were assigned to committees. According to Raymond, “It served as a great opportunity for people from across campus to work on a college project.” Pelkey shared, “When NM went through this same process in 2007, I was not yet employed at the College. Serving as a co-chair gave me the opportunity to learn about aspects of NM that are not part of my daily responsibilities as a faculty member.”

Last March, following the submission of the self-study, NMCC welcomed a visiting team of administrators and faculty from institutions from throughout New England similar to the Presque Isle College. The team was led by Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski, president of the Three Rivers Community college in Norwich, Connecticut. Jukoski shared that the team was inspired by the students, “They shared openly and honestly about their learning experiences at NMCC. The faculty and staff have assisted them in transforming their lives with experiences that are life-changing”.

To learn more about the high-quality and innovative programs at NMCC visit nmcc.edu

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Shane Chamberlain, NMCC plumbing and heating graduate ’18, working in the plumbing and heating lab.