North Idaho College (NIC) has officially regained its full accreditation status and returned to good standing with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This announcement, made Monday night, marks a significant turning point for the institution after three years under a 'show cause' sanction and four years since its initial warning.
The decision brings an end to a period of intense scrutiny and internal challenges, allowing the college to refocus on its core mission of education. Students, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the news, signaling a collective relief and renewed optimism for NIC's future.
Key Takeaways
- North Idaho College is fully accredited by NWCCU.
- The 'show cause' sanction has been removed.
- This follows four years of accreditation issues related to governance.
- Community and campus efforts were crucial in resolving the crisis.
A Return to Good Standing
The announcement came during a special board meeting held in the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room of the Edminster Student Union Building on the NIC campus. Nearly 100 people were present to hear the decision.
NWCCU Senior Vice President Ed Harri delivered the news, confirming that NIC had resolved all issues related to governance. He stated that the college is now in full compliance with all accreditation standards and requirements. The crowd responded with a standing ovation, celebrating the end of a tumultuous period.
"Regaining good standing is a testament to the strength and perseverance of NIC students, employees and community," said NIC President Nick Swayne. "The strength of this college lies in its people, those who refused to give up and stood firm against the chaos. With the distractions behind us, we can now focus entirely on delivering the quality education and opportunities our students expect and deserve."
Accreditation Timeline
- 2020: NWCCU issues first warning to NIC.
- April 2022: NWCCU sanctions NIC with a warning.
- February 2023: NWCCU issues a 'show cause' sanction.
- Monday: 'Show cause' sanction removed, accreditation reaffirmed.
The Root of the Crisis: Governance Issues
Unlike most institutions that face accreditation challenges due to financial or academic problems, NIC's issues stemmed primarily from its board of trustees. The Chronicle of Higher Education notes that 'show cause' sanctions are rarely imposed on public institutions for reasons other than fiscal or academic concerns.
In 2021, four human rights groups filed complaints with the accreditor, citing civil rights and civil liberties violations at NIC. A peer evaluation panel from NWCCU investigated these complaints, leading to a critical report in February 2022.
The report described the board as "dysfunctional." It also highlighted concerns that the then-board chair's involvement in questioning curricular content created a "chilling effect on faculty independence and diverse thought." These findings were central to the NWCCU's initial warnings and subsequent sanctions.
What is a 'Show Cause' Sanction?
A 'show cause' sanction is one of the most severe actions an accrediting body can take. It requires an institution to demonstrate why its accreditation should not be revoked. This usually involves proving that the college has addressed and resolved the serious deficiencies identified by the accreditor.
Turbulence and Resolution
The situation escalated in December 2022 when the board majority placed President Nick Swayne on indefinite administrative leave without disciplinary cause. An interim president was then hired. Swayne subsequently sued the college and was reinstated after a court order.
This period of internal strife directly led to the NWCCU issuing the 'show cause' sanction in February 2023. The college's governance structure was under intense scrutiny, with many community members voicing their dismay at board decisions during lengthy public meetings.
The resolution of this crisis is largely attributed to a shift in the board of trustees' composition. Christa Hazel, a co-founder of Save NIC Now, a political action committee, played a role in backing new trustee candidates. Rick Durbin, Mary Havercroft, and Eve Knudtsen were successfully elected to the board in 2024, significantly changing the board's dynamics.
Community and Campus Unity
Trustee Tarie Zimmerman emphasized the difficulty of the past few years.
"The college and our community have endured extraordinarily challenging times," Zimmerman stated. "It is important to say clearly and without hesitation that what happened at North Idaho College should never have happened."
Hazel described NIC's journey as both a success story and a warning. She highlighted the collective efforts of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and the community in restoring good governance. This hard work, she noted, has transformed NIC into a model institution.
Interim Provost Lloyd Duman expressed his admiration for the unity shown. He remarked on how the campus and wider community rallied to protect the college. "We stood up and said, 'We refuse to let this happen to our gem,'" Duman shared. "And it didn’t."
Looking Ahead
With accreditation reaffirmed, North Idaho College can now move forward. The focus shifts entirely to providing quality education and opportunities for its students. The period of distraction and internal conflict is over, paving the way for stability and growth.
The experience serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant leadership and community engagement in safeguarding local institutions. The newly composed board of trustees is committed to collaborative work, restoring trust, and upholding best practices in governance.
