Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Monday, September 24, 2012
Reaffirmation of MDC's Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
For almost two years, Miami Dade College has been engaged in two comprehensive undertakings conducive to furthering the excellence of our students' educational experience and the efficiency of our operations: the Student Achievement Initiative and the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Replacement. These two endeavors are successfully progressing under the leadership of Dr. Lenore Rodicio, Vice Provost for Student Achievement, and Mr. Ramón Millán, Vice Provost for Information Technology.
Today, I announce a third major undertaking vital for the future of our institution: the 10-year Reaffirmation of MDC's Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
In a relatively short period of time, we must complete a thorough analysis and extensive documentation (Compliance Certification Report) demonstrating that all aspects of MDC are in full compliance with SACS Standards and Federal requirements. We must also submit a new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a strategic project that promises to improve student learning or the environment for student learning. Our Compliance Certification Report will be reviewed by the Off-Site Reaffirmation Committee and we will be inspected by the On-Site Reaffirmation Committee, who will visit most of the campuses and District areas, interview a number of us, evaluate and discuss the QEP, and review publications and other documents.
To move us forward without delay, I am pleased to announce that, effective immediately, Dr. Pamela Menke, will assume the new position of Vice Provost, Regional Accreditation and Quality Assurance. As the former North Campus Academic Dean, Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, and most recently, as Vice Provost of Education, she has demonstrated strong leadership, organizational and communication skills. For the past four years, she has served admirably as our SACS representative and has accomplished SACS approval of substantive MDC changes, including six baccalaureate programs, an associate degree program, and the expansion of the Virtual College and MDC West. Her strategic leadership and articulate reports contributed to the successful SACS Fifth-Year Report and the MDC QEP Impact Report acknowledged by SACS as a model.
Dr. Menke will work closely with me, Provost Rolando Montoya, the senior leadership team, and with all of you as we demonstrate together that MDC has enacted its mission, achieved its objectives, and is committed to continuous improvement. Full accreditation is essential, and the time is short. I ask each of you to become an active part of this endeavor. It will take all of us to achieve this critical hallmark of ongoing success.
Thank you.
Eduardo