Southeast : Cerritos College Receives High Marks in Panel’s Report

Cerritos College, in hot water as recently as last June, has been showered with accolades in a preliminary report of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

The college, removed last year from warning status after an interim visit by a team from the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges, passed a routine six-year site inspection “with flying colors,” said Lilia Rodriguez, spokeswoman for the community college in Norwalk.

While the verbal findings were announced last week at a meeting of the school’s Board of Trustees, the report will not be final until the umbrella organization rules on it in June. A team of faculty and board members selected from community colleges across California visited the campus, attended more than 100 classes and talked to students and staff members to make their assessment.

The team especially commended the campus’ $14-million-a-year financial aid program, its commitment to the Learning Resource Center, its responsiveness to a diverse student population and entrepreneurial efforts with local industry and the community. Team members also remarked on improved fiscal stability, said Cerritos College President Fred Gaskin.

Of continuing concern, however, are the need for a master plan and inadequate staffing, he said.