In Simpson’s last accreditation report, the college was cited for lack of diversity in the student body, weak requirements in math and foreign language and overworked faculty.

That report was filed six years ago, and the college has still not fully addressed these issues. The student body lacks diversity, especially in minority student enrollment. The international student numbers are up, but the minority student numbers are still quite low, with only 39 minority students enrolled.

The math and foreign language competency requirements remain at sub-standard levels, partially due to lack of high school preparation and also due to the lack of faculty. If the requirements are strengthened, more classes will need to be offered. The faculty is being stretched ever thinner as they pick up extra classes and gain more advisees.

Some students are expressing concern over whether or not they can finish their degree(s) in the standard four years due to the fact that selected courses are only offered on a rotating basis. Some also run into problems when trying to set up appointments for scheduling classes with their advisors. Less time exists for personal professional development and research.

The next accreditation report will be published three years from now. The report is vital to the college, as the accreditation process is necessary to maintain the integrity of the institution and monitors how well the college delivers on its promises to the student body.

This report affects every aspect of campus: the students, the faculty and the overall atmosphere. To accurately examine both the strengths and weaknesses of the college, all parties affected must be willing to engage in open dialogue and exchange of ideas, as well as objective reasoning. It is only within this atmosphere that the college will benefit from the report and make progress toward fixing problems.