Clinton Community College Accreditation Reaffirmed to 2029-2030

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has reaffirmed the accreditation for Clinton Community College through 2029-2030, an action that endorses its efforts to meet objective standards for success and plans for a new campus location for Fall 2025 and beyond.

The decision, made at the commission's November meeting, reflects the good, collective work put in by the campus over the course of the summer, including an August monitoring report for the commission and a September site visit. The commission decision includes approval of the college's substantive change request to move its primary campus to Beekman and Court Streets at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Success Measures

In focusing on a strong future, the college has been driven by a set of success measures over much of 2024: increasing enrollment, reaffirming accreditation, strengthening finances, planning for the new location, and supporting faculty, staff and students.

Fall 2024 enrollment saw a 12 percent increase over a year earlier. Full-time equivalent enrollment - representing the combination of all student schedules to full-time – is now more than 296. Fall headcount — the total of all students enrolled in campus and online courses, as well as the College Advancement Program based in high schools — is 1,068.

Applications and acceptances for Spring 2025 are above the same time a year ago and also tracking at or above last year's final numbers. A focus on retention, through the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways program and other support efforts, and recruitment of new students has yielded well.

The college is also performing better than a year earlier in terms of revenue and net income so far in the new 2024-2025 fiscal year. Auditors are now completing the review of 2023-2024, with their report due on time.

Quality Standards

Accreditation is an important stamp of approval for all colleges and involves a transparent peer review process. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, it means the college meets quality standards in several critical areas, giving students confidence that they are attending a reputable institution. It includes eligibility for the college and students for federal aid and programs.

The college is now removed from warning or probation status, which has been attached to Clinton since June 2022. In its action the commission reaffirmed the college's accreditation because "the institution is now in compliance with Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement) and Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration)."

The commission has asked the college to provide a monitoring report on its progress due in March 2025. The report will include details on its financial management, including a multi-year budget, a copy of the soon-to-be completed audit, planning to reduce deficits / raise surplus, and related goals. The monitoring report will be followed by a follow-up team visit in the spring. The next evaluation visit will be scheduled for 2029-2030.

Next Steps

The college is now developing its next strategic plan, which will align with its mission and focus on serving its home region and area students and employers.

Planning for the campus' new primary location in SUNY Plattsburgh buildings on Beekman and Court streets is also underway, with the State University Construction Fund assisting in upgrades for the properties ahead of moving this summer and the development of details -- from spaces to contracts — also in process.

The college expects, and intends to sustain, enrollment growth and meeting accreditation standards that are foundational to its future, placing students at the center of all it does, filling a unique niche and providing partnerships with organizations and institutions across the spectrum of the area.

Quotes

"The Middle States decision is an important validation of Clinton Community College’s progress towards a sustainable future," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “SUNY is proud to support Clinton Community College, SUNY Plattsburgh, and Clinton County to complete the relocation and secure programs and greater opportunities for students now and for generations to come."

"This is terrific news for Clinton Community College," said Administrator in Charge Ken Knelly. "We have and will continue to play a critical role in our region and in the State University of New York system. Our Clinton County sponsors, the board of trustees, and community leaders, as well as our friends, alumni and donors who love, support and invest in this college, know its value to this community. We have served the area since 1966 and will continue to offer, adapt and grow our unique set of degrees and other pathways from an open access campus."

"This achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence, the dedication of our leadership, faculty, staff, and the strength of our programs," said Board of Trustees Chair Devi Momot. "As a board, we are confident this accreditation positions Clinton Community College to continue delivering transformative education that empowers our community and drives regional progress. Community colleges are essential to providing accessible, affordable education and fueling workforce and economic development."

"This keeps us on the path for a smooth transition to a new location for the college," said Clinton County Legislature Chair Mark Henry. "The county is proud of its partnership with Clinton Community College and its years of successful program for our residents. Financial sustainability is critical to its future and its work toward achieving this is commendable. We also appreciate the work of the State University of New York system to make this possible."

"SUNY Plattsburgh is proud to support Clinton Community College in this transformative period," said Dr. Alexander Enyedi, President, SUNY Plattsburgh. "The reaffirmation of accreditation reflects the dedication and resilience of Clinton's faculty, staff, and leadership in driving a brighter future for their students and our shared community. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the economic and educational landscape of our region. I am excited that our university is partnering with Clinton Community College to build a new model for the delivery of higher education in the North Country."