Message from the Dean of Instruction

In Spring 2003 the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association adopted new criteria that focus on the effectiveness of an institution of higher education as demonstrated by evaluation and assessment. I am pleased to say that Mesa Community College is well positioned to respond to the new criteria.

Since our last accreditation in 1994-1995, Mesa Community College has changed significantly. Enrollment has grown from 21,000 in fall 1994 to 27,000 this fall. We were a single campus college in 1994; today we have two comprehensive campuses and four other sites. In 1994 we had a fledgling distance learning program; today more than 3,000 credit students are enrolled in Internet courses. And, we have placed increasing emphasis on planning, evaluation and assessment.

Over the past few years we have revisited our vision and mission and articulated our shared values. College planning has evolved into a meaningful and participatory process that drives decision-making and budgeting. Our student outcomes assessment program is a nationally recognized model that provides us with documentation about what and how much our students are learning. We have pursued these activities, not to satisfy our accrediting agency, but because they represent best practices in higher education.

Mesa Community College is very well prepared to apply for re-accreditation. I am very impressed with the work of our self-study committee thus far, and I look forward to working with all the members of our college community as we review our accomplishments, celebrate our strengths, establish our strategic direction for the future, and identify the challenges we will face in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gail Mee
Dean of Instruction