Cuesta Accreditation Extended

Cuesta College officials can breathe a 6-year sigh of relief, after learning that the school’s accreditation was reaffirmed.
According to a press release, on Feb. 6 the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges reaffirmed Cuesta’s accreditation for another six years. The Commission is the regional accrediting agency overseen by the U.S. Department of Education that evaluates 2-year colleges in California and several other Western States.
In a letter from Commission President, Barbara A. Beno, the Commission “affirms that Cuesta College has provided evidence that it continues to be in compliance with accreditation standards, policies and eligibility requirements.”
Some six years ago, Cuesta was hit with a poor evaluation and had its accreditation placed on a sort-of probation threatening possible revocation, unless several areas were addressed and corrected.
None of the issues had to do with actually educating students, but more with financials, planning and administrative issues. Nevertheless, the matter was serious enough that Cuesta feared losing its accreditation and possibly ceasing to exist as an independent school.
One option in a worst-case scenario was that the school might have to merge with Hancock College in Santa Maria and Cuesta would cease to exist. Through hard work and determination that never came close to happening.
Cuesta was removed from the “warning status” in February 2014 and underwent another evaluation this past September. College officials, including the new college president, Dr. Gil Stork, went to work right away to right the ship.
“I am thrilled with the action announced by the accreditation commission to reaffirm Cuesta College’s accreditation status for the next six years,” said Stork. “Cuesta College has demonstrated sustained efforts to maintain its accreditation, as evidenced by the seven commendations we received in the fall by the visiting accreditation team. Additionally, I cannot say enough about the commitment of our faculty, staff, administration, students, and Board of Trustees to work together to ensure Cuesta’s place at the center of excellence.”
According to the Commission’s letter, “the Commission would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cuesta College on the remarkable turnaround that it has accomplished between 2011 and 2013. It has followed all Commission directives for reports and visits and resolved the considerable deficiencies that led the college to non-compliance with accreditation standards. The college has resolved those deficiencies, meets standards and should take pride in its accomplishments.”
Cuesta even got seven commendations from the accreditation team regarding its “commitment to address accreditation issues, the college’s ability to work with the Cuesta Foundation and expand the Promise Scholarship to a full year, implementing student success and support programs, and more,” reads a news release from Cuesta. Trustee’s president, Pat Mullen, said, “The Commission has once again recognized the achievements and commitment at Cuesta College to the education of our students. Our faculty, staff and administration have again been acknowledged for their student-focus, hard work and commitment to performing at the highest levels.”