MSCHE has identified 14 characteristics that constitute excellence in the delivery of higher education. The self-study will examine the degree to which CCAC meets or exceeds those standards by asking questions related to the characteristic, and then doing research of the College to answer those questions. The standards are divided into two categories. “Institutional Context” includes all of the topics, which affect the governance of the college, and have an indirect effect on learning. “Educational Effectiveness” includes all programs and services, which have a direct impact on learning.

Standard 1: Mission, Goals and Objectives 
Focus:  The college must be able to validate that the college’s mission is being implemented through its goals and objectives.

Standard 2:  Planning, Resource Allocation and Institutional Renewal 
Focus:  The college must be able to show that it provides appropriate planning and resource allocations to support its mission and goals.

Standard 3:  Institutional Resources
Focus:  The college must be able to show that it has appropriate physical and human resources available to support its mission and goals.

Standard 5:  Administration
Focus:  The college has an administrative structure that supports the institution’s organization.

Standard 7:  Institutional Assessment
Focus:  The college must demonstrate that it has an institutional assessment plan that evaluates the overall effectiveness in achieving its mission and goals.

Standard 8:  Student Admissions
Focus:  The college provides proof that the admissions procedures conform to the mission of the college.

Standard 9:   Student Support Services
Focus:  The college provides proof that it has appropriate services to support the diversity and needs of students it serves.

Standard 10:  Faculty
Focus:  The college insures that qualified professionals are instrumental in supporting the instructional and support services of the college.

Standard 11:  Educational Offerings
Focus:  The college provides proof that the programs being offered are appropriate to the mission of the college.

Standard 12:  General Education
Focus:  The college insures that students acquire college-level proficiency in core courses, including written and oral communication skills.

Standard 13:  Related Education Activities
Focus:  The college provides proof that the following educational programs, activities and services meet appropriate standards of quality – basic skills, certificate programs, experiential learning, noncredit offerings and branch campuses, additional locations, instructional sites, distance learning and contractual relationships. 

Standard 14:  Assessment of Student Learning
Focus:  The college provides proof that its students have obtained the knowledge and skills necessary to support appropriate higher education goals.