Santa Monica College is now subject to enhanced fiscal monitoring by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges following a three-year period in which expenditures exceeded revenues. The move comes after the college reported declining cash balances and unresolved labor agreements, according to LAist.
Mac Powell, president of the accrediting body, described the step as a standard part of its annual review process for institutions showing signs of financial strain. He emphasized that the designation does not constitute a sanction or adverse action against the college's accreditation status.
The college enrolls more than 25,000 students, over half of whom are first-generation, and maintains a faculty of roughly 320 full-time and 852 part-time members. It promotes itself as a leading transfer institution to several major universities.
In a letter notifying the college of the change, ACCJC Vice President Melynie Schiel cited the multiyear drop in ending cash balances and open labor contracts as key factors in the at-risk classification. Santa Monica College declined an interview request but responded through a public statement from its president.
Kathryn Jeffery, the college president, wrote that the rating is largely backward-looking and does not reflect recent steps taken to stabilize finances. Those measures include layoffs, salary freezes, non-renewal of certain contracts, employee furloughs, and elimination of vacant positions.
Accreditation from the commission enables the college to access federal funding and distribute student financial aid. Institutions in the at-risk category receive closer review, with staff meetings and regular updates on corrective actions and progress.
Powell noted that the enhanced monitoring signals closer attention to the college's financial condition while it works to resolve identified challenges. He added that the college is not currently at risk of losing accreditation and that such oversight aims to address concerns early.
The accreditor typically keeps monitoring status confidential, but Santa Monica College chose to disclose the information independently. Powell said the commission will continue to assess whether the institution maintains the resources and staffing needed to fulfill its educational mission.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/education/santa-monica-college-accreditation-financial-struggles