City College of San Francisco's accreditation was reaffirmed by overseers Friday after school officials addressed three deficiencies caused by the Board of Trustees.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges found the college complied with requirements and corrected deficiencies, ending a tough 18-month period that left the school's 2012 accreditation fiasco at the hands of a wily commission looming overhead.
Amidst Trump administration funding cuts, state budget tightening and the usual drama, the news couldn't be better for a college that needs to grow enrollment to escape an idiosyncratic funding formula that will leave revenues flat for years to come. (Disclosure: This reporter is a faculty member at the college.)
Accreditation is crucial for the well-loved institution. Although the college’s accreditation remained active while on "warning status," threats, real and perceived, are harmful to student enrollment.
"This decision is great news for the college and acknowledges the meaningful progress in addressing areas of noncompliance related to financial decision-making and board governance," interim Chancellor Mitchell Bailey wrote. "The improvement the college has made has been critical, particularly in strengthening our financial practices and board engagement. We also know that maintaining accreditation requires ongoing vigilance and alignment with good financial and governance standards."
The commission placed the school on "warning status" in January 2024 due to the Board of Trustees' shortcomings. The college was found noncompliant with three of the 119 accreditation standards.
The commission said the Board of Trustees did not adequately consider long-term fiscal implications when making financial decisions to assure the stability of the college’s budget. (There had been an attempt to put a pre-paid lease in the cash reserves.) It also stated that the board must adhere to its own rules and bylaws and should allow the college’s chancellor to implement policies without interference.
To meet accrediting standards, the college revamped its budgeting process to include more public meetings and developed a fiscal sustainability plan that was incorporated into the 2026 budget process. Neither the board's president or vice president could be immediately reached for comment.
"The full accreditation of City College is the bedrock on which we are able to offer our academic programs," Bailey wrote. "Accreditation is an external validation of our program quality, service to students and commitment to our mission. It is also a process that allows us to engage in continuous improvement and self-assess our work and our institutional progress. So, today’s news from the ACCJC is welcomed and places the college in a strong and stable position in serving our community."
Mary Bravewoman, president of the college's faculty union AFT Local 2121, called the accreditation news a relief.
"I couldn't be happier — especially when we're trying to grow enrollment — and we know what damage the whole accreditation fight did more than a decade ago to our enrollment," Bravewoman said.
At Thursday's Board of Trustees meeting, Associate Vice Chancellor Kristin Charles said, "Accreditation is about a continuous and lasting improvement, not just checking boxes," and reported that the college was given $200,000 to "support an innovation and effectiveness plan to help us continue to strengthen our financial sustainability."
That money will come in handy for the college's next leader. The board completed a drama-filled chancellor hiring process at the meeting. (The board has also implemented procedures to ensure meetings are held with decorum in the wake of a union leader's unmitigated tirade at a May meeting. To that end, a microphone kill switch — for both remote and in-person commenters — was installed.)
The college community said its thanks and farewell to Bailey at the meeting. In his remarks about his year-long stint at the helm, Bailey said securing the college's accreditation was one of the five goals he wanted to accomplish. Now, he will pass his responsibilities to Kimberlee Messina, who will take over on Tuesday, along with a fully accredited college.
The college is required to submit a midterm report to accreditors on Oct. 15, 2027.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Alex Mullaney founded The Ingleside Light in 2008 during the peak of San Francisco's great tradition of neighborhood newspapers. He is the publisher and editor.
