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wpc accreditation visit a success Warner Pacific received notification from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU or Commission) on August 1, 2012, indicating that the College’s accreditation has been reaffirmed on the basis of the Spring 2012 Comprehensive Evaluation. The evaluation process included the work of campus personnel in preparing a 226 page institutional self-study report; compiling a comprehensive electronic exhibit room which included statistical, assessment, and policy documents; a three day visit with a team of academic peers from institutions of higher education from the Northwest region; review of and response to the visiting team’s report; and a formal hearing before the Commission. The Commission noted six recommendations and seven commendations as a result of the review. The NWCCU commended the College “for the commitment of its entire community to its mission and core values which have carved out a niche appropriate to both its locale and the current time, serving students in an accessible and supportive manner.” The notification letter went on to say, “the Commission commends the College for working aggressively to provide ‘catch-up’ raises in full-time faculty salaries during difficult economic times. Moreover, the Commission finds laudable the College’s deep sense of community and the quality of the relationships that students experience with members of the faculty, staff and administration. Further the Commission applauds the College for its effective stewardship of available resources… and for success in deeply, broadly and effectively integrating information literacy into student learning. Lastly, the Commission finds noteworthy the College’s intentional and mission-driven engagement with its surrounding community which provide evidence of a passionate and sustained commitment to community engagement via service learning, co-curricular activities, hosting events and services, and relationship building.” According to Dr. Andrea Cook, the results of the report will inform future improvements at Warner Pacific College. She acknowledged that the process and resulting report were encouraging and very helpful. “I am so grateful for and proud of the Warner Pacific community for their preparation and involvement in the evaluation process. Dr. Cole Dawson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, effectively led the accreditation preparation process and is to be congratulated for a very successful outcome.”
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WPC Third annual President’s Tea WPC’s Third Annual President’s Tea and Scholarship Auction, held April 14, raised nearly $50,000 in support of the school’s Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative. Dr. Arloa Sutter, Executive Director of Breakthrough Urban Ministries, in Chicago, was the event’s featured speaker. College president Dr. Andrea Cook said she was thrilled at the success of the event, reiterating the College’s commitment to creating educational opportunities for students who would otherwise have no means to attend college. Act Six is the Northwest’s only full-tuition, full-need scholarship for emerging urban and community leaders who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities of origin. “The money raised from the tea and auction provides scholarships and an educational opportunity for these students, preparing them to be the next generation of leaders who will engage the complexities of a constantly changing world,” said President Cook. Sutter was invited to speak based on her extensive experience serving vulnerable people. Breakthrough Urban Ministries walks alongside those affected by poverty to develop skills and open doors of opportunity.
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Largest Grant in Warner Pacific College Recent History Offers Matching Gift Opportunity On March 7, 2012, Warner Pacific College was awarded $414,000 from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in response to a proposal based on our Urban Call to Action Initiative. A faithful supporter of the College over the years, the grant shows confidence in the mission set before us. $200,000 of the grant has been funded outright, and $214,000 will be awarded as an incentive for the College to raise $642,000 in additional funding from donors, foundations, and alumni. The Murdock Trust is funding core components of Warner Pacific’s Design for Urban Education and will be invested in Warner Pacific’s Teaching and Learning Center which includes the funding of three new staff positions over a three-year period. The new staff will be responsible for implementing Learning Communities in the traditional undergraduate program; strengthening learning teams in the Adult Degree program; and providing overall teaching and learning guidance as WPC continues to grow into its urban identity. The three positions include an Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, a Director of Adult