Comprehensive Evaluation Visit
From the President
Cathy Mitchell President, New Mexico Junior College
As we approach our upcoming site visit for the reaffirmation of New Mexico Junior College's accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous effort and dedication each of you has invested in preparing for this important milestone. Your commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of our preparation, demonstrating a campus community deeply devoted to our students and our mission...
| Key Dates & Visit Information
Site Visit Schedule |
| |February 9-11 2026: On-Campus comprehensive evaluation visit |
| |View Full Timeline: Comprehensive Evaluation Visit Preparation Timeline (PDF) |
| |Visit Agenda: NMJC Comprehensive Evaluation Agenda |
Accreditation 2026 Publications
| Full Assurance Argument | Assurance Argument: Welcome Message | |||
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Podcast: The NMJC Story |
Podcast: More than a Mission Statement |
Podcast: The Pillars of Trust and Integrity |
| Assurance Argument Criterion 4 | NMJC Federal Compliance Filing 2026 | Past Accreditation Documents & Resources | |
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Podcast: Measuring Success from Classrooms to Clubs |
Podcast: Built to Last |
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NMJC Strategic Plan 2017-2022 (Extended to June 30, 2026) - Key Performance Indicators |
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Citations: “Create a podcast from the ‘Welcome to Peer Review Team’ portion of the 2026 Assurance Argument”. Podcast Creator, Beta, Speechify, 20 Jan. 2026, speechify.com “Create a podcast from the ‘Criterion 1’ portion of the 2026 Assurance Argument”. Podcast Creator, Beta, Speechify, 21 Jan. 2026, speechify.com “Create a podcast from the ‘Criterion 2’ portion of the 2026 Assurance Argument”. Podcast Creator, Beta, Speechify, 21 Jan. 2026, speechify.com “Create a podcast from the ‘Criterion 3’ portion of the 2026 Assurance Argument”. Podcast Creator, Beta, Speechify, 21 Jan. 2026, speechify.com “Create a podcast from the ‘Criterion 4’ portion of the 2026 Assurance Argument”. Podcast Creator, Beta, Speechify, 21 Jan. 2026, speechify.com *Note: The podcasts on this page are AI-generated |
| 2026 Reaffirmation of HLC Accreditation for New Mexico Junior College
New Mexico Junior College moved to the Open Pathways model for accreditation after our 2015 Reaffirmation of Accreditation. The Open Pathways model requires 3 reviews:
Year 4: Mid-cycle Assurance Review: In 2020, HLC-appointed peer reviewers evaluated the institution based on HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. The review occurred virtually, without a campus visit. Read it on our website here.
Years 5–9: Quality Initiatives: In 2024, NNMC reported our Quality Initiative after participating in the HLC Student Success Academy. The College worked to design and implement a project aimed at improving student retention and completion rates. Institutions are required to submit a project proposal between Years 5 and 7 and then report on the outcomes between Years 7 and 9. Peer reviewers evaluate both the project proposals and the outcomes reports. Read it on our website here.
Year 10: Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation of Accreditation: In February 2026 we will have our Year 10 evaluation process where HLC determines whether the institution’s accreditation should be reaffirmed. Institutions are evaluated based on HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. Peer reviewers review materials, visit campus, and consider feedback from students and community members. The team also reviews the institution’s compliance with certain federal requirements.
The Assurance Review
The institution meets the Accreditation Criteria by preparing an Assurance Argument and an Evidence File.
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ASSURANCE FILING HLC peer reviewers evaluate the Assurance Filing, and recommends whether the institution meets the Accreditation Criteria. If part of a comprehensive evaluation, it includes an on-site visit. A decision-making body reviews the documentation and recommendations to take official action. |
ASSURANCE ARGUMENT In the Assurance Argument, the institution demonstrates how it meets each Criterion and Core Component. For each Criterion, the institution offers an articulation of how each Core Component within the Criterion is met, and links to materials in the institution’s Evidence File for each claim or argument made. |
EVIDENCE FILE The Assurance Argument will link to materials the institution uploads to its Evidence File to further support its narrative for each Criterion and Core Component. Every item uploaded to the Evidence File must be specifically linked to at least one Core Component in the Assurance Argument. |
| Criteria & Core Components
Mission is foundational to an institution’s curriculum, instructional activities and
the success of its students. Mission further informs an institution’s research and
innovation pursuits, its community engagement activities and services, its role within
the higher education ecosystem, its student body, and its decisions regarding operations
and resource allocations. An institution’s distinctive mission is the cornerstone
around which the institution’s effectiveness, integrity and commitment to continuous
improvement are evaluated.
When demonstrating that it meets the Criteria for Accreditation, an institution has the opportunity to reflect on the significance of its distinctive mission as well as across the wider higher education landscape. Against these backdrops, the institution is able to speak to its current state, aspirations and plans for the future.
Specifically, the distinctiveness of an institution’s mission may inform the strategies it adopts and the evidence it provides to demonstrate that it meets each Criterion and Core Component. In preparing for a review, an institution may provide evidence relevant to additional topics related to a Core Component beyond those specified in any HLC resource document. During the review process, peer reviewers will determine whether an institution meets the Criteria and Core Components on the basis of such evidence.
CRITERION 1 / MISSION: The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.
CRITERION 2 / INTEGRITY: Ethical and Responsible Conduct In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
CRITERION 3 / TEACHING & LEARNING: for Student Success The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors.
CRITERION 4 / SUSTAINABILITY: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning The institution’s resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning enable it to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational programs, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.
| NMJC Accreditation Contacts
Stephanie Fergusion, PhD / Vice President for Instruction
Larchinee Turner, EdD / Dean of Career & Technological Education
William Brown, DBA / Vice President for Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness / ALO
