this just in - from WASC response team

i just received this from the WASC response team

"Please find attached public announcement from the Board of Trustees at New College of California. Thank you for your input. We hope these steps are moving in a positive direction from your perspective.

Please, continue to give us your views and opinions.

Dr. Greg Tanaka
Dr. Martina Ayala
Dr. Francisco Leite
Prof. Adam Cornford
Prof. Stephanie Adraktas
WASC Response Team



Public Information, Board of Trustees – New College of California (July 26, 2007)

At a meeting of the board of trustees of New College of California,
eight motions carried that respond concerns raised by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accrediting board (WASC). These actions reflect the continuing desire of the board and college to satisfy all required standards, work closely with WASC, and address the needs of students and employees.

1) The board of trustees voted to increase the number of board members to have enough for a minimum of four members on all the trustee standing committees necessary to provide full oversight of the college and be in full compliance with the four WASC standards ensuring quality education. This will mean a significant increase over time leading approximately to a doubling of the current size of participating members.

2) To initiate this expansion, two outside citizens were approved for immediate addition to the Development Committee and will be approved as soon as possible for full board of trustee membership under proper procedures, complement the strengths of existing board members and provide new perspectives that will further guarantee high academic quality.

3) The board passed a motion to specifically acknowledge the creation of a faculty council and pledged to work jointly with that council to immediately (a) strengthen the academic quality of the college and (b) enhance the structures of shared governance. The board voted to express its congratulations to the faculty council for quickly moving to name two representatives to the WASC response team and for building its future capacity for self-governance by pledging to nominate several members from its own ranks as final candidates for interim academic vice president.

4) The board voted to direct its Personnel Committee to make recommendations to the board concerning how and when to facilitate the addition of one member each to the board of trustees, as ex officio members, and come from the faculty, staff and student body.

5) The board voted to form a presidential search committee that will work in the coming year to conduct a thorough, careful search for a new president for New College. This committee shall reflect the values of New College, include faculty, staff and student representatives, and seek significant input from the entire New College community.

6) The board voted to invite WASC to work with president Martin Hamilton and the New College “WASC response team” and assist the college in planning the most ideal process for leadership transition in a way that preserves the values of the institution while ensuring full compliance with the WASC standards.

7) The board also voted to name Dr. Francisco Leite interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help bring the college into full WASC compliance on financial matters and promote the long term sustainability of the College.

8) Finally, the board directed New College to take immediate action to assist in the investigation of a recently filed grievance concerning discrimination and harassment and to do so in a manner that protects both parties. Further the college shall take steps to strengthen its internal mechanisms for responding expeditiously to all complaints related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other protected areas.