By Lookout Staff

January 19, 2024 -- After "an extensive self-evaluation and peer review process," Santa Monica College's accreditation has been reaffirmed for another seven years, College officials announced this week.

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)voted to take the action -- which SMC officials called "the best possible outcome" -- at its meeting January 10 to 11.

In a letter sent to SMC Superintendent/President Kathryn E. Jeffery, the commission also noted “none” under the categories of “compliance requirements” and “recommendations for improving institutional effectiveness,” school officials said.

ACCJC President Dr. Mac Powell and Chair Dr. Lori Gaskin expressed “appreciation for the diligent work and thoughtful reflection that Santa Monica College undertook to prepare for this review.”

“This news is a resounding affirmation of Santa Monica College’s excellence and the dedication of all those who work wholeheartedly to fulfill SMC’s mission of providing the most high-quality, equitable, and accessible education possible!” Jeffery said in a statement.

“Accreditation is an opportunity to reflect on the college’s accomplishments and also identify ways to build upon the strengths that have served SMC so well in the 90-plus years of its existence.

"Having that self-reflection culminate in a superlative commendation -- what better way to kick off 2024?” Jeffery said.

Before voting to reaffirm SMC’s accreditation, ACCJC members reviewed the Institutional Self-Evaluation Report (ISER) the college submitted in December 2022

The report "provides information on SMC’s accomplishments over the past seven years, as well as ways to improve," SMC officials said.

The commission also considered the report submitted by the peer review team that conducted an on-site visit to the college last September, officials said.

The next step in the accreditation process requires SMC to submit a midterm report by October 15, 2027, school officials said.

That will be followed by a peer review of the next Institutional Self-Evaluation Report in spring 2030 and an on-site visit in fall 2030.