Shasta College Accreditation Renewed for 7 Years

Redding, CA - The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) has reaffirmed Shasta College’s accreditation for the maximum seven-year term. This reaffirmation marks the second consecutive seven-year accreditation for Shasta College, following a similar achievement in January 2018.

Accreditation is a quality control measure unique to American higher education. The ACCJC evaluates colleges based on the quality and execution of their programs, services, and resources. The ACCJC reaffirming Shasta College’s accreditation assures the public that Shasta College continues to operate at the highest level to help students achieve their educational and career goals. It also keeps the district eligible for financial aid and other assistance. 

“I am proud of the dedication and excellence demonstrated by our faculty, staff, and administration,” said Shasta College Superintendent/President Dr. Frank Nigro. “Receiving a seven-year reaffirmation of accreditation is a major accomplishment demonstrating our commitment to our students and to serving the unique needs of our communities.”

The ACCJC's decision followed a thorough review of Shasta College’s Self-Evaluation Report and the findings of an 11-member peer review team during an on-site evaluation in October 2024. The review resulted in no compliance findings and one commendation.

Shasta College was commended for its “deep understanding of its student populations and their unique needs, providing equitable services to ensure their success.” The report specifically highlighted two initiatives:

• The Shasta College Attainment and Innovation Lab for Equity (SCAILE), which aims to reduce regional educational attainment gaps.
• The Veterans Support and Success Center, designed to effectively support student veterans and their families in a welcoming environment.

“Not every college reviewed during this cycle,” said Nigro, “received a commendation or even a reaffirmation of accreditation. We are happy to see that our focus on doing great work and continually seeking ways to improve the services we offer is being recognized by the ACCJC. We’re here to offer programs that serve our communities, provide excellent instruction, and ensure access to support services our students need for continued success. It’s great to have that good work acknowledged.”

Added Nigro, “I’m grateful for our amazing team and for the leadership of our Accreditation Liaison Officer, Associate Vice President Will Breitbach, who helped steer us through the process.”
 
The accreditation process evaluated every aspect of the college, including academic quality, financial resources, institutional effectiveness and integrity, instructional programs, support services, technology, and human and physical resources.

Shasta College is now preparing for its Midterm Report, due in October 2028, to demonstrate progress on future goals. The next comprehensive accreditation review will conclude in the fall of 2031.

Interested parties are welcome to review the ACCJC’s full report on the Shasta College website at https://scmainweb.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/resources/2024-external-peer-team-evaluation-report.pdf. And a copy of the letter sent by the ACCJC to Shasta College at https://scmainweb.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/files/resources/accjc-action-letter-reaffirmation-of-accreditation.pdf.