Sarah Jones
Photography Editor
Unlike Vatterott, Crowder College’s accreditation is secure. College accreditation certifies that the institution is providing a good education for its students. There are several levels of accreditation: from federal to state levels, and then down to individual department requirements. Each step in the process helps to ensure that students are getting a good education that can be used in the real world.
Reams of paperwork and hours of inspection followed by even more paperwork may sound very boring and complicated but the importance of Accreditation can only be felt when a school loses it.
On Dec. 5 2018 Vatterott College lost its accreditation after repeated warnings from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Having lost accreditation, Vatterott could no longer receive payments from students with student loans or Federal aid. Vatterott closed without warning on Dec. 17 2018 leaving hundreds of students unsure of their future.
“With the collapse of Vatterott College, another 156 students in Illinois and 2,300 nationwide are left high and dry”, said Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill).
Not only had classes been canceled but for many every credit hour they had achieved at Vatterott was completely worthless. Students who were just a few months away from graduation found themselves facing student loan debt and the prospect of having to start from scratch.
The Kansas City Star published a letter Robert Norrington had written to the school a few days after closure. In the letter he asked “So where am I to go from here? I was told I can’t even transfer my credits, time and hard work. I just want to finish school and provide for my family. Can someone help me?”According to The Star, Norrington had yet to receive a reply.
Students were not the only ones hurt by the closure. Staff and teachers found themselves jobless and in some cases locked out of offices, away from equipment they had purchased.
Students, teachers, and staff of Crowder don’t need to worry about accreditation thanks to dedicated work of the Academic Affairs office who ensure that all levels of accreditation are met.
“The more current we are and the more up to date we are really that helps us in our accreditation” says Adam Morris, Vice President of Academic Affairs. Morris says that Crowder’s accreditation is secure thanks to a dedicated staff, excellent teachers, and the open and honest communication of students and faculty.
Leave a Reply