NIC leaders relieved by reduced sanction

COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho College leaders expressed optimism after NIC received more time from its accreditor to resolve a handful of remaining issues. 

NIC has operated under a show cause sanction, the last step before loss of accreditation, for more than two years. In a letter released Monday, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities reduced that sanction to probation and granted NIC a one-year extension to get back in compliance with three accreditation standards: 

• Resolve the issues underpinning numerous votes of no confidence from faculty, staff and student constituent groups  

• Adhere to institutional and board policies, particularly those pertaining to appropriate roles and responsibilities, expectations, professional conduct and ethics and grievance procedures  

• Demonstrate a commitment from the board and college president to an environment respectful of meaningful discourse 

The decision comes after more than two years of uncertainty at North Idaho College. 

“I really think the bulk of it is behind us,” NIC President Nick Swayne said late Monday. “Even though we might be under a continued sanction for another year, the really big challenge for me was working with a board that was not working in the best interest of the college. For me, the reward is already there. I’m working with a board that is looking out for students and looking out for the community.” 

Trustee Tarie Zimmerman echoed the sentiment. 

“It feels fantastic just to walk into a board meeting knowing that I’m going to be meeting with a group of people who truly have the best interest of the community and the students and the college in the front of their mind,” she said Tuesday. 

Swayne said he expects the reduced sanction to help NIC attract and retain employees. 

“We’ve had this cloud hanging over our head for two and a half years,” he said. “It’s been difficult to retain faculty and staff. If other opportunities present themselves, it’s hard to argue you should stay at NIC. Coming to probation instead of show cause will be a big help.” 

Ever since NIC was placed on show cause status, Swayne said, the college has paid a kind of “accreditation tax” in the form of tangible and nontangible costs associated with returning to good standing. 

“The reputation of the college that we’re somehow at risk makes it hard to recruit,” he said. “Continual site visits (from accreditors) cost us money. I appreciate the accreditation process very much, but there’s a price we pay for that. Getting off probation as soon as possible is really important.” 

Zimmerman said she thinks the commission’s decision was reasonable and she’s confident NIC will resolve the remaining issues. 

“The board is committed to getting back into good standing and growing the college to serve the community and the students in the best way possible,” she said. “It’s been a hard road, but we’re here and we’ll get all the way. It won’t take too much longer.” 

    Tarie Zimmerman