The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities held an open forum for students to share and discuss their experiences at Shoreline Community College.

They sought to gauge the current state of the college, especially amidst COVID-19.

A committee of eight members attended: Pamela Goad, Teri Fattig, Carmen Roberts, Teresa Rivenes, Rod Keller, Laura Massey, Dale Moon, and Lita Burns.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the NWCCU indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the evaluation of institutional quality, done through a peer review process. It is also a requirement for a school to be able to offer degrees recognized by other colleges and universities.

Teresa Rivenes, Vice President of Instruction and Chief Academic Officer at Tillamook Bay Community College largely led the forum, posing questions to a diverse group of Shoreline students, both local and international, ranging from all ages, divulging information about their own unique experiences at SCC. 

“What are some of the things you’d like to change, or what are the weaknesses you’ve seen if any?” Rivenes asked the students. 

Responding to his question, students pointed to a need for a more streamlined experience at the tutoring center, a more consistent offering of courses, and the difference in advising contact for international and local students. Students also discussed the current quality of instruction, with a positive general sentiment.

The forum provided a platform for students to voice out their concerns, or share their opinion, albeit the other various forms, such as ASG, the Multicultural Center, or even The Ebbtide itself, are often concurrently available outlets.