Latest Report Card Says Accreditation Could Be In Jeopardy At Nassau Community College

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some are calling it a gigantic leap backwards for a sprawling community college.

CBS2 has learned that the accreditation of Nassau Community College may be in jeopardy.

As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, Nassau Community College is New York's biggest community college campus, with 22,000 students, but a preliminary report card could flunk their school.

"If the credits don't transfer I'm basically paying for nothing," Elias Argueta said.

Faculty members say a recent accreditation review found the college is not in compliance in 7 of 14 essential standards.

The Middle States Commission sited seven failures including planning, resources, leadership, administration, integrity, institutional assessment, and student learning.

Faculty were quick to point out that no of them have to do with teaching, but they've long criticized the administration for lack of transparency.

"This administration is unable to articulate a vision that we can all support to move this college forward," Frank Frisenda, President, Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, said.

The college has been in leadership limbo for 6 years without a permanent president. The replacement process has been fraught with allegations of political patronage.

"We have been in crisis right now as an institution," Dr. Kimberly Reiser said.

In an email obtained by CBS2, college interim president Tom Dolan told the board, "We will be expected to act quickly and, if we wish to maintain our accreditation, dramatically."

He added that actions will impact, "the future success, if not existence, of this college."

Dr. Dolan told CBS2 that the email was privileged and confidential, about a non-final matter.

Loss of accreditation would cut grants and financial aid and jeopardize degrees.

"It kinda disappoints me. I've been working really hard and it's all going to waste," Shelsea Mayas said.

Faculty leaders said students will continue to receive quality, affordable education, and are confident the Middle States Commission will give the college an opportunity to respond and get back on its feet.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education said colleges are first given a warning and up to two years to correct deficiencies. Their final report is due in June.