STANDARD BEARER
Upholding our Mission through Accreditation
STANDARD BEARER
Upholding our Mission through Accreditation
Volume 1, Issue 1 — Celebrating 10 Years of Accreditation June 25, 2025
Happy Anniversary! Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Standard Bearer, launched in celebration of the 10th anniversary of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s accredited status granted on June 25, 2015. This newsletter is designed to keep our community informed about our ongoing accreditation journey and internal self-study process. As we embark on the Self-Study Design phase, your involvement and awareness are vital to our continued progress and institutional growth.
What is Accreditation Accreditation is a mark of quality and accountability. It assures our stakeholders that we are meeting established standards of quality and effectiveness and affirms our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. This year, as we celebrate the College’s 35th anniversary, marks ten years since our initial accreditation, a milestone worth celebrating!
Where We Are: Self-Study Design Phase Reaffirmation of accreditation occurs every 8 years, and our timeline is 2027 for a Self-Study visit by a team of peer evaluators. We are currently in the design phase of our self-study, which is a time for strategic reflection and collaboration. Four institutional priorities were developed thanks to your input, and Working Groups are now converting them into lines of inquiry in the context of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Standards of Accreditation.
The Self-Study Institutional Priorities Enhancing Student Support Services, Activities and Access Improving Financial Resources, Facilities, and Infrastructure Strengthening Academic and Workforce Development Programmes Fostering Collaboration and Communication, and Faculty and Staff Development We encourage continued participation from faculty, staff, students, and the community partners to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive rewiew.
STANDARD BEARER
Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 1 — Celebrating 10 Years of Accreditation June 25, 2025
Working Groups The Four Working Groups assigned by Standard are: Chair, Patlian Johnson
Standards One (Mission and Goals) and Six (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvements
Chair, LuVerne Baptiste
Standards Two (Ethics and Integrity) and Seven (Governance, Leadership, and Administration)
Chair, Ronald Brunton Co-chair, Anita Pinzi
Standards Three (Design and Delivery of the Student Experience) and Five (Educational Effectiveness Assessment
Chair, Albert Thompkins
Standard Four (Support of the Student Experience)
Next Steps and Staying Informed Stay engaged by attending upcoming self-study sessions and providing feedback on draft policies. Visit our internal portal or contact the Accreditation Liaison, LuVerne Baptiste or the Steering Committee Chair, Patlian Johnson for more information.
Self-Study Timelines ▪
Deadline for Submission of Draft Self-Study Design
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Aug. 1, 2025
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Self-Study Preparation Visit Timeframe SSPV
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Aug. 25th – Oct. 31, 25
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Draft Self-Study Design feedback letter
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1 week after SSPV
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Deadline for Submission of Revised Self-Study Design
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Dec. 15, 2025*
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Appointment of Site Visit Team Chair
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Summer/Fall 2026
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Review of Self-Study Team Roster
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Fall 2026
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Preliminary Visit by Team Chair
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Spring 2027
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Self-Study Evaluation Visit
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Fall 2027
STANDARD BEARER
Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 2 | July 2025
About Middle States Commission on Higher Education The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a global institutional accreditor that serves as a partner in quality assurance and improvement. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, MSCHE works to ensure that institutions meet rigorous standards of effectiveness and integrity through peer evaluation and self-regulation. HLSCC was accredited by MSCHE in 2015.
The Value of Accreditation Accreditation is more than a status - it is a process that affirms our commitment to educational quality, institutional integrity, and accountability. Through accreditation, HLSCC ensures that it is meeting the needs of students and stakeholders while striving for ongoing improvement. It also facilitates student transfer and reinforces public confidence in our academic offerings and operations.
Eligibility Requirements and Standard of Accreditation As part of the Fourteenth Edition of MSCHE’s Standards of Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation, institutions are required to meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements confirm that an institution is legally authorized, mission-aligned, financially viable, and ethically governed. Additionally, institutions must demonstrate compliance with the Seven Standards of Accreditation, covering areas such as mission, ethics and integrity, student learning, support services, governance, planning, and resources. Future editions of The Standard Bearer will explore each standard in more detail and how they relate to HLSCC’s mission and strategic goals.
Reaffirmation of Accreditation - Self-Study Evaluation Institutions must affirm their accreditation every eight years, through Self-Study Evaluation, a comprehensive, campus-wide process of reflection and assessment. It allows us to examine how well HLSCC fulfills its mission and aligns with the expectations of MSCHE. This evaluation involves reviewing practices, gathering evidence, and identifying areas of strength and opportunities for enhancement. It is both a compliance exercise and an opportunity for institutional learning and improvement.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 2 | July 2025
Self-Study Preparation Visit (SSPV) HLSCC will host the MSCHE Vice President Liaison for HLSCC, Tiffany Lee, on September 23, 2025, for the Self-Study Preparation Visit (SSPV). This visit will take place at our Paraquita Bay Campus and include meetings with executive leadership, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. The SSPV is a collaborative opportunity to receive feedback on our Self-Study process and ensure alignment with MSCHE expectations.
Spotlight on HLSCC Values As we navigate the Self-Study process and prepare for accreditation reaffirmation, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the values that are to guide every classroom, every decision, and every interaction on campus. Here are our values: Student - Centeredness
Accountability
Responsiveness
Integrity
Respect & Tolerance
High Standards
Decisions by Data
Cooperation
You’ll see these values highlighted throughout our reaffirmation journey; from the way we collect evidence to how we tell our story.
Next Steps Join us next month as we roll out My Part: Role to Reaffirmation. Are you aware of and appreciate the part you play in maintaining the College’s accredited status?
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 3 | August 2025
Charting the Course from Preparation to Peer Review Accreditation is more than a milestone; it is a mission. As H. Lavity Stoutt Community College enters its second decade of accredited status, we embark once again on our journey toward reaffirmation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This aspect of our journey formally began in Fall 2024 with our participation in the Self-Study Institute (SSI) - a foundational training seminar that prepares institutions for the rigorous and reflective process of self-study. This Institute equipped our team with the tools, expectations, and resources necessary to begin charting the course for the next few years of institutional inquiry and improvement.
Focus on Phase One: Design with Intention The College has officially completed the first phase of the self-study journey — Design with Intention. We are pleased to report that the Self-Study Design (SSD) was submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) by the August 1 deadline. This milestone marks a significant step in HLSCC’s reaffirmation process as we prepare to welcome our assigned MSCHE Vice President Liaison, Dr. Tiffany C. Lee for the Self-Study Preparation Visit (SSPV) on September 23, 2025. The SSD outlines how the College will evaluate its performance against MSCHE’s standards, priorities, and expectations, while remaining aligned with our mission and goals.
Introducing the Standards of Accreditation MSCHE’s Seven Standards of Accreditation form the foundation of our institutional self-study. These standards reflect best practices in higher education and ensure that accredited institutions operate with transparency, effectiveness, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Here at HLSCC, we’ve introduced a unique, easy-to-remember way of connecting with each standard - combining the official titles with a more informal VPPA twist to inspire engagement across the community.
STANDARD BEARER
Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 3 | August 2025
Introducing the Standards of Accreditation Standard One - Mission and Goals Our Mission: We getting it done, we getting it done! Standard Two – Ethics and Integrity Making sure we do our duty! Standard Three – Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience Time to experience Standard Three, focus on design and delivery. Standard Four – Support of the Student Experience We support you. Welcome - it’s an open door. Standard Five – Educational Effectiveness Assessment Effectiveness is Standard Five - how well we do it will keep it alive. Standard Six – Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement Improvement is heart of Standard Six: we plan, we fund, we fix. Standard Seven – Governance, Leadership, and Administration Keep us going in the right direction. We will be sending out more details on the Self-Study process and providing a deeper look into each of the standards in upcoming issues of Standard Bearer.
Coming Soon: Accreditation Awareness in Action An exciting new accreditation awareness campaign is on the way! While we won’t reveal all the details just yet, you can expect a college-wide initiative designed to inform, involve, and inspire. This campaign will highlight the crucial role each stakeholder plays in our reaffirmation journey. Stay tuned—your part matters!
Looking Ahead With our SSD submitted and the SSPV on the horizon, we enter a new phase of engagement, dialogue, and collaboration. We thank everyone who contributed to this initial phase and look forward to working together to uphold the standards that define who we are and where we’re going.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 4 | September 2025
My Part: Role to Reaffirmation Launched at Convocation On 28 August, 2025, HLSCC launched its new Accreditation Awareness Campaign, “My Part: Role to Reaffirmation,” during Convocation. The initiative responds to survey results showing that many students and employees were unsure of their role in accreditation. The campaign highlights the contributions of all seven College groups — Board of Governors, Senior Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, and External Partners — using a 35-piece puzzle to symbolise HLSCC’s 35th Anniversary. Each puzzle piece reflects one role in mission accomplishment and reaffirmation, showing how together we build HLSCC. The campaign was launched by Minister for Education, Hon. Sharie de Castro, who drew the first puzzle piece as an External Partner, emphasising Government’s role in Resource Contribution and Institutional Support. She also closed the event as a proud alumna, selecting the Alumni piece on Public Image and Advocacy. Future issues of The Standard Bearer will spotlight each role, as puzzle pieces are drawn at College and community events, keeping the reaffirmation journey engaging and visible. What the Puzzle represents 35 Pieces – Celebrating HLSCC’s 35th Anniversary 7 Groups – Board, Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, External Partners 5 Roles Each – Reflecting how every group contributes to mission success and accreditation As pieces are drawn, each role is explained in The Standard Bearer. Together, they form the full picture of how we all play our part in HLSCC’s reaffirmation journey.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 4 | September 2025
MSCHE Self Study Preparation Visit On Tuesday, 23 September, 2025, HLSCC welcomed two representatives from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) for its official Self-Study Preparation Visit (SSPV). The College was honoured to host Dr. Michael Bowden and its new Vice President Liaison, Dr. Reha Shackelford, who will guide HLSCC through its reaffirmation journey. The day’s agenda included meetings with Representative from the Board of Governors, the President, the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), the Steering Committee Chairs, Steering Committee and Working Group members, and representatives from faculty, staff, and students. These sessions provided opportunities for dialogue across the College community about the self-study process, accreditation expectations, and the collaborative effort required for success. During the visit, Dr. Bowden and Dr. Shackelford reviewed the College’s Self-Study Design, offering constructive feedback to help refine it into a more focused document. They also provided insights into MSCHE’s assessment cycles, clarifying how evidence of institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement will be reviewed throughout the process. Equally important, the representatives shared general collegial advice regarding preparation of the final Self-Study Report, emphasising that the process should be inclusive, transparent, and mission-driven, and should really tell the College’s story. Their remarks encouraged the College to see the self-study not just as an accreditation requirement, but as an opportunity to reflect on strengths, address challenges, and chart a strong course for the future.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 5 | October 2025
Students Playing Their Part
My Part: Co-curricular Involvement As the My Part: Role to Reaffirmation Accreditation Awareness Puzzle campaign continues, students lead the charge with three puzzle pieces having been drawn in each month since the campaign was launched at Convocation in August. The first Student puzzle piece was drawn by the reigning Ms. HLSCC, K’Meeya Chung during convocation activities. Her puzzle piece highlighted the role of students in Co-curricular Involvement, emphasizing the vital role students play in enriching campus life and embodying HLSCC’s spirit of engagement, growth, and community. Ms. Chung noted that students bring the College to life through their participation in clubs, organisations, and events, that promote leadership, creativity, teamwork and service. She added that their involvement transforms the campus into a vibrant environment of learning beyond the classroom, where personal and professional growth intersect, and lifelong skills are developed. Through co-curricular experiences, students cultivate confidence, collaboration, and purpose, preparing them to make meaningful contributions both within and beyond the College. These activities showcase HLSCC’s dedication to holistic education – shaping graduates who are not only academically prepared but also, socially aware, and community-minded. As the College progresses in its Self-Study review towards Reaffirmation, co-curricular involvement of our students demonstrates that the College offers opportunities for engagement and development beyond academic study. This links closely to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Standard IV – Support of the Student Experience, and Standard V – Educational Effectiveness Assessment. Co-curricular Involvement highlights the College’s commitment to its mission to change lives and build communities by ensuring that every student experiences education that is both transformative and complete.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 5 | October 2025
Students Playing Their Part My Part: Institutional Feedback
In September at a COM100 class, which is a college prep class, the My Part Accreditation Awareness campaign continued. After a brief presentation to students, another puzzle piece was pulled which represented Institutional feedback. This part symbolizes the important role students play in helping HLSCC grow stronger through open communication and shared responsibility. Student Dareon Mercer, noted that by participating in surveys, focus groups, and meaningful dialogue with faculty and staff, students ensure their perspectives help guide the College’s decisions and priorities. He told the students that their feedback provides valuable insight into what’s working well and where improvements can be made across programmes, services and campus life. HLSCC’s Accreditation Liaison and Vice President of Policy and Administration encouraged students to let their voices be heard through the various avenues of providing the institution with necessary feedback. She noted that when students share their experiences and ideas, they play their part and actively shape a better HLSCC – one that continues to evolve, meet their needs, and fulfil its mission of changing lives and strengthening communities. This exchange of ideas reinforces HLSCC’s culture of collaboration and accountability. Institutional Feedback demonstrates that the college provides avenues to listen to and acts upon stakeholder input. This supports MSCHE Standard IV – Support of the Student Experience and Standard VI – Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 5 | October 2025
Students Playing Their Part
My Part: Retention and Completion In October, the College held a Mental Health Fair, and the Accreditation Awareness campaign team made a brief appearance. Student, Kayla Briggs selected a puzzle piece – Retention and Completion. This piece symbolises the essential role students play in demonstrating academic success and institutional effectiveness. In speaking to Retention and Completion, Ms. Briggs shared that every student who enrols, perseveres, and ultimately completes their programme tells the story of HLSCC’s impact. Their determination reflects not only personal achievement but also the College’s ability to deliver a quality education, guidance, and support that lead to meaningful outcomes. Beyond academics, each student’s journey reinforces a culture of accountability, perseverance, and purpose, ensuring that HLSCC continues to stand as a place where potential is nurtured, and success is achieved. Students contribute directly to the College’s reaffirmation by showcasing progress and persistence – key indicators of institutional health. When students remain engaged, access available support services, and reach graduation, they provide tangible proof of HLSCC’s mission in action: to change lives and strengthen and communities through education. Overall, this supports MSCHE Standard IV – Support of the Student Experience and Standard VI – Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement. We all play a part in building HLSCC. We thank the three students to date who have demonstrated the part they play in institutional building. Look out for us in November, as we continue to highlight how all of us play a part in building HLSCC and fulfilling our mission.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 6 | January 2026
Standard One Centres Us on What Matters Most: Our Mission and The Goals That Bring It to Life Standard One calls for clarity: knowing our purpose, understanding who we serve, and aligning our efforts with outcomes that matter. Accreditation doesn’t set our direction; it supports the good work we’re already doing when we stay grounded in purpose and committed to growth. Our mission should shape every decision we make. Whether we’re launching a programme, improving a service, allocating resources, or planning an event, Standard One reminds us to act with intention from a clear and shared sense of purpose. The mission is more than a statement - it’s a daily guide that makes our work more focused, meaningful, and accountable.
Why Standard One Matters to Our Daily Work Standard One grounds our daily work rooted in purpose. It reminds us that our mission isn’t just a slogan; it’s what gives meaning to the tasks we carry out each day. Whether we're preparing a classroom, maintaining campus spaces, supporting registration, responding to student concerns, managing budgets, or leading a programme, our work reflects who we are and why HLSCC exists. Standard One helps ensure that: • The goals we set - at every level - are practical, relevant, and aligned with our mission. • Student success outcomes like persistence, graduation, and readiness for work or further study guide our choices. • We shape environments - both physical and relational - that help students feel welcome, focused, and supported. • There is collaboration between every department, office, and team, not isolated work, to improve the student experience. • We’re always learning, adapting, and improving - not just during accreditation, but as a way of operating. When we carry out our work with mission in mind, students feel it - through the support they receive, the systems that work for them, and the assurance that they matter. That’s why Standard One belongs to all of us.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 6 | January 2026
What This Means for You Standard One highlights that the mission and goals must be: • Developed collaboratively, meaning every group—faculty, staff, administrators, students, and external partners—has a role in shaping and understanding them. • Anchored in internal and external realities, ensuring HLSCC remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the Territory and the wider higher education landscape. • Approved and supported by the governing body, creating alignment from governance to frontline operations. • Used to guide decisions, from classroom practices to institutional planning and resource allocation. • Publicised and widely known, so every employee understands how their work contributes to mission fulfilment. • Regularly evaluated, ensuring our goals remain achievable, meaningful, and student-focused.
Next Steps HLSCC has officially crossed the first major milestone on our reaffirmation timeline: the submission of our revised Self-Study Design (SSD) to MSCHE. Following thoughtful feedback from the visiting MSCHE VPs, and collaborative review, the College submitted a strengthened and more focused document. As we continue the reaffirmation journey, next month’s issue will spotlight more on Standard One, again reintroducing the Working Group that will review the Standard, and the questions that will be used to guide the review. Check it out to see how you can support this Working Group. Meanwhile, our “My Part Puzzle” Campaign is well underway, our visual representation of every stakeholder’s role in this journey. While the campaign has launched, the puzzle is far from complete. Several groups still need to pull their piece, and more drawings will take place. The picture won’t be complete without you. Thank you for your continued commitment. Together, we move forward with purpose.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 7 | March 2026
Standard One in Action: Bringing Our Mission to Life January’s Planning Day convened Heads of Departments and senior administrators to launch the College’s Annual Planning and Budget Development process, setting the stage for aligning priorities with planning and resource allocation for the upcoming academic year. During the session, the President introduced the 2026–2027 Institutional Priorities under the theme T.H.R.I.V.E., which will guide departmental plans and budget decisions. Participants engaged in focused discussions and collaborative activities to ensure alignment with the College’s strategic direction. An interactive activity from the “My Part: Role to Reaffirmation” puzzle initiative - part of the College’s accreditation awareness efforts - highlighted how individual roles contribute to institutional goals, planning, and continuous improvement.
Standard One in Action: Real Roles, Real Impact The role of the Campus Nurse extends beyond healthcare — it directly supports student success and well-being, which are central to our mission. By providing care, promoting wellness, and ensuring students are physically and emotionally supported, this role helps create an environment where students are able to fully engage in their learning experience. This reflects Standard One in action by aligning daily responsibilities with the broader goal of supporting student achievement and institutional effectiveness. Faculty play a critical role in delivering on the College’s mission through teaching, mentorship, and continuous improvement. The Director of Culinary’s involvement in professional development highlights a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student-centred learning. By refining skills, enhancing curriculum delivery, and staying aligned with industry standards, this role ensures that programmes remain relevant and impactful — directly supporting the mission through quality education and student preparation.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 7 | March 2026
Standard One in Action: Real Roles, Real Impact At the administrative level, senior leadership ensures that the systems and infrastructure supporting the College are aligned with institutional goals. The Director of Information Technology plays a key role in maintaining and advancing the digital environment that supports teaching, learning, and operations. From ensuring reliable access to technology to supporting institutional planning and data-driven decision-making, this role reflects Standard One by helping guide resource allocation and strategic support aligned with the mission.
Why This Matters Planning Day reinforced that Standard I extends beyond defining who we are - it shapes how we work together to carry out our mission. Each role, department, and interaction contributes to a shared institutional purpose. When individual responsibilities are clearly connected to the College’s mission, our collective efforts are strengthened, enhancing our impact on students and the wider community.
Next Steps As we continue this journey, we will build on the strong foundation established during the planning phase. In the next issue, we will explore Standard Two: Ethics & Integrity, examining how transparency, accountability, and ethical practices shape our institutional culture. Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment as we move forward together.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 8 | May 2026
Understanding Standard Two: Ethics and Integrity Standard Two focuses on one of the most essential pillars of higher education: ensuring that ethics and integrity guide every action, decision, and interaction within the institution. Ethics and integrity are described as “central, indispensable, and defining hallmarks” of an effective college — meaning they influence not just policies, but the culture, behaviour, and trustworthiness of the institution. For HLSCC, this standard emphasises the importance of being faithful to our mission, honouring our commitments, adhering to our policies, and representing ourselves truthfully in all internal and external activities. Standard Two ensures that we do what we say we are doing.
What This Means for Us Individually Standard Two is about integrity, fairness, trust, and respect. It helps ensure that HLSCC remains a place where integrity guides decisions, people are treated fairly, and information can be relied upon. It means: • Respecting the rights of others to learn, teach, express ideas, and receive credit for their work. • Creating a culture where all stakeholders and the general public are treated with fairness, dignity and respect, even when opinions differ. • Making sure concerns, complaints, and grievances can be raised and addressed through clear and fair processes. • Making decisions that are ethical and free from conflicts of interest. • Ensuring employment practices are fair, transparent, and based on merit. • Providing accurate and truthful information in our communications, publications, recruitment efforts, and public reporting. • Supporting an environment where opportunities, services, and resources are accessible and inclusive. • Following applicable laws, regulations, policies, and accreditation requirements while maintaining accountability for our actions.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 8 | May 2026
Everyone Has a Part to Play Standard Two shows up in everyday moments across HLSCC. It is reflected when: • A student submits original work and gives proper credit to sources. • An employee treats a colleague, student, or visitor with respect. • A supervisor applies policies fairly and consistently. • A board member makes decisions in the best interest of the College. • Someone raises a concern and trusts that it will be handled appropriately. • Information shared by the College is accurate, honest, and clear. These actions may seem small and expected, but together they help create a culture of trust, fairness, and accountability throughout the College.
Next Steps As we continue through the accreditation cycle, the College remains committed to demonstrating how ethics and integrity are embedded in our culture and operations. As we collect the supporting evidence, we will be compiling and examining the following items: Polices on Academic Freedom, Intellectual Property Rights, Grievance, Conflict of Interest, Management of Contracts and Appointments, Student Confidentiality, Refund and Withdrawal from Classes to name a few. Are you familiar with these policies? Look them up on the College Intranet. Other material being compiled and assessed include marketing, admissions, and recruiting material, Climate Survey results and Student Satisfaction Survey results. Feel free to contact the Vice President for Policy and Administration to submit any evidence you may have or if you have any questions.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 8 | May 2026
Understanding Standard Two: Strengthening Community through Engagement and Transparency Standard Two reminds us that ethics and integrity are demonstrated not only through policies, but through the ways we engage, communicate, and collaborate as an institution. One meaningful example of this in action was the Spring 2026 General Assemblies held at the Paraquita Bay Campus and the Virgin Gorda Centre. These assemblies brought together a wide cross-section of the College community — including students, alumni, members of the Board of Governors, senior administration, and external partners — to highlight how each group contributes to advancing the mission of HLSCC. Through the interactive “I Play My Part” puzzle activity, participants reflected on the importance of their individual roles and how every contribution connects to the College’s broader vision, values, and strategic direction.
Standard Two in Action: Real Roles, Real Impact Representing both the Board of Governors and Alumni at the Paraquita Bay Student Assembly, Shaamouy Baronville highlighted the importance of maintaining strong connections between the College and the wider community and helping to guide the College’s long-term direction. He noted that as a member of the Board of Governors he contributes to strategic planning , helping the College anticipate future challenges and opportunities while ensuring institutional priorities remain aligned with vision and mission. As an alumnus, he strengthens public confidence in the College by serving as an ambassador for HLSCC, supporting initiatives that enhance its reputation, foster meaningful community relationships, and demonstrate the lasting value of an HLSCC education. Together, these puzzle pieces illustrate that Standard Two is built through people. Whether serving through governance or as an engaged alumnus, each role helps ensure that HLSCC fulfills its mission with integrity, transparency, accountability, and the confidence of the community it serves.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 8 | May 2026
Standard Two in Action: Real Roles, Real Impact One of the highlights of the Virgin Gorda General Assembly was the opportunity to hear from representatives of the student body, College leadership, and the wider community. Each speaker shared how they "play their part," demonstrating that HLSCC's success is built through the combined efforts of many individuals working toward a common mission. Representing the student body, Valentin Zahdebelnyj spoke about the roles of Academic Engagement and Civic Engagement. He highlighted that students contribute to the College's success by actively participating in their learning, embracing opportunities for personal and academic growth, and engaging responsibly in campus and community life. Valentin emphasized that students are not merely recipients of an educational experience, but active partners in shaping the experience through their commitment, involvement, and advocacy. Representing Senior Administration, Dr. Steve Lennard, Director of the Virgin Gorda Centre, spoke about the role of Resource Allocation. He explained that senior administrators play a critical role in ensuring that the College's financial, human, physical, and technological resources are planned, managed, and aligned with institutional priorities. Through strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and operational oversight, they help create the conditions that enable high-quality teaching, student success, continuous improvement, and the effective fulfillment of the College's mission. Representing one of the College's valued External Partners, Laura Fox of the Ciboney Centre for Excellence spoke about the role of Workforce Alignment and Career Path Development. She highlighted the important contribution external partners make by sharing industry expertise, workforce trends, and employment needs that help ensure HLSCC's programmes remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the needs of the Virgin Islands. Through these partnerships, students benefit from clearer career pathways and stronger connections between education and the world of work. Although each speaker represented a different constituent group, their message was remarkably consistent: every role matters. Together, their contributions illustrate that Standard Two is reflected in the ethical decisions, responsible leadership, meaningful partnerships, and shared commitment that enable HLSCC to fulfill its mission with integrity and accountability.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 9 | September 2026
A Historic Milestone for H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Congratulations HLSCC! This edition of The Standard Bearer celebrates a series of significant developments over the past few months that continue to advance the mission, reach, and future of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. These achievements reflect years of institutional planning, commitment to quality assurance, and the dedication of faculty, staff, students, alumni, Board members, and external partners who continue to support the College's growth and development.
A NEW CHAPTER IN HLSCC HISTORY MSCHE Approves the College’s First Bachelor’s Degree On 23 April 2026, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) made the decision to grant HLSCC the approval to offer its first Bachelor's degree, a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education. This will be officially included within the institution's scope of accreditation status. The approval marks a historic milestone in the institution’s evolution and expanding opportunities for students within the Virgin Islands and beyond. It represents an important step in the College’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality educational pathways that meet the needs of students, employers and the wider community. The Bachelor of Arts in Education, which will be offered in Fall 2026, will build upon the College’s strong foundation in teacher preparation and workforce development, while supporting national and regional efforts to strengthen the education sector. It is important to note that this approval does not automatically authorise the College to offer additional bachelor’s degree programmes. Approval must be granted for second bachelor’s degree programme before this additional credential level becomes a part of our scope of accreditation status.
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 9 | September 2026
EXPANDING ACCESS THROUGH ONLINE EDUCATION MSCHE Approves Alternative Delivery Method On the same date, HLSCC was also granted approval to include an alternative delivery method of distance education within the institution's scope of accreditation status. Distance education significantly expands HLSCC's ability to fulfill its mission by making higher education more accessible and flexible for a broader range of learners. It creates new opportunities for working adults, students with family or employment commitments, residents of the Sister Islands, and members of the Virgin Islands diaspora who may previously have faced barriers in pursuing an HLSCC education. By removing geographical and scheduling constraints, the College is better positioned to meet the evolving needs of its students while supporting lifelong learning and workforce development throughout the Territory. The approval also strengthens the College's long-term strategic position. Distance education provides opportunities to diversify enrolment, enhance institutional resilience, and respond more effectively to changing educational and workforce demands. As HLSCC continues its reaffirmation journey, this achievement demonstrates the College's commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and expanding access to high-quality education in ways that remain aligned with its mission and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
What This Approval Means In her remarks at the HLSCC 2026 Commencement Exercises, the Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports announced that along with approval for the first bachelor's degree programme from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HLSCC has also received approval to expand its scope of accreditation to include distance education. “These achievements are especially significant because HLSCC remains the only internationally accredited national college in the OECS region,” DeCastro stated. “Together, these approvals represent institutional transformation. They signal that HLSCC is no longer limited by geography. That opportunity is no longer confined by borders.” The Minister also said if they are serious about “changing outcomes” for students, then they must “be serious” about changing how “teachers are taught.” She said that through the Institute of Education and this new bachelor's degree program, they’re not simply “creating another degree.”
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Upholding our Mission through Accreditation Volume 1, Issue 9 | September 2026
ACCREDITATION UPDATE Self-Study Design Approved by MSCHE In April 2026, MSCHE approved HLSCC's Self-Study Design. This is a major milestone in the reaffirmation process. The Self-Study Design serves as the roadmap for the College's comprehensive institutional review and guides the evaluation of how the institution demonstrates compliance with MSCHE's Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation. This approval fully activates Working Groups to examine institutional compliance and effectiveness across all seven MSCHE standards.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MSCHE LIAISON The College recently received notification that Dr. Terence Peavy has been assigned as HLSCC's new Vice President Liaison with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, succeeding Dr. Reha Shackelford. As Vice President Liaison, Dr. Peavy will serve as the College's primary MSCHE contact and provide guidance throughout the reaffirmation process and future accreditation activities. Dr. Peavy currently serves as Lead Vice President for Institutional Field Relations at MSCHE. Since joining the Commission in 2021, he has worked directly with member institutions across the Middle States region and now supports and coordinates the work of MSCHE's Accreditation Relations and Services unit while helping advance the Commission's strategic priorities. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Peavy has held executive leadership positions in enrollment management and institutional administration at several MSCHE-accredited institutions. The College looks forward to working with Dr. Peavy as we continue our reaffirmation journey and pursue new opportunities for institutional growth and innovation.