Letters to the Editor

This month, two Southwestern College teachers and community members published letters in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Read on:

Friday, February 19, 2010 at 12:04 a.m.

Southwestern vibrant, despite probation

It is of great concern and regret that the only institution of higher education in South County has, for the first time in its nearly 50-year history, been placed on probation by the accrediting commission for community colleges. The findings and recommendations by the WASC team can be viewed in their entirety at swccd.edu.

No doubt this probationary status was imposed because eight of 10 previous recommendations made in the 2003 visit still had not been completely satisfied by WASC’s October 2009 visit. Upon review of the report, readers will determine that the primary findings are due to administrative shortcomings and ongoing problems with governance.

However, what the report does state clearly is that, “A sense of vibrancy and student engagement pervades the college, and faculty and staff are clearly dedicated to students and to providing a supportive environment for learning to occur.” It further states, “Turnover in administration has caused middle managers and faculty to take responsibility for the continuity of the day-to-day activities of the college. Staff loyalty and the evident engagement of student in the life of the college have sustained the college through its difficulties.”

As a dedicated and proud employee of Southwestern College, I want to assure the South County that we will continue to work very hard and passionately to provide excellent programs and services to our students.

As a member of this community, I encourage you to exercise your right to determine (at the coming 2010 governing board elections) who will best serve the interests of our much more deserving students and community.

NORMA CAZARES

Chula Vista

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Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 12:04 a.m.

Accreditation review is serious business

In October, four Southwestern College faculty were suspended after a rally protesting unwarranted class cuts. An administrator was sent with armed police to the home of each instructor to do this. I was one of the instructors. This dictatorial act and countless others have given cause for our college to earn a probationary status.

I was banned 14 days from teaching, from campus and from college e-mail. I could not communicate to my students what had happened.

Regrettably, all our efforts to work collegially with our governing board and president have been summarily dismissed. We at Southwestern College want our college back.

DINORAH GUADIANA-COSTA

San Diego