Statement of Rationale for Judgment of Compliance

Palo Alto College has programs accredited by federally recognized agencies and describes itself in identical terms to each recognized accrediting body with regard to purpose, governance, programs, degrees, diplomas, certificates, personnel, finances, and constituencies, and keeps each institutional accrediting body apprised of any change in its status with one or another accrediting body.

The following documentation supports the case for compliance:

1. List of federally recognized agencies that currently accredit the institution;
2. Date of the most recent review by each agency and indicate if negative action was taken by the agency and the reason for such action;
3. Statements used to describe PAC for each of the accrediting bodies;
4. Any agency that has terminated accreditation, the date, and the reason for termination;
5. Date and reason for the institution voluntarily withdrawing accreditation with any of the agencies.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) currently accredit programs at Palo Alto College. Statements used by Palo Alto College to describe itself to each of the accrediting bodies can be found in applications to AVMA[1], PLANET[2], and NAEYC[3]. No agency has terminated accreditation, nor has Palo Alto College voluntarily withdrawn accreditation with any agencies.

As articulated in Board Policy A.1.1[9], the College District is known by the assumed names of “Alamo Colleges” and “Alamo Colleges District” or the “Alamo Community College District.” References to these assumed names in the narrative and any supporting documentation are equivalent.