The Lakeland Joint School District board in Idaho is exploring other dual credit options for students following concerns that North Idaho College (NIC) may lose its accreditation. Superintendent Lisa Arnold and Assistant Superintendent Lynn Paslay will meet with dual credit instructors to move dual enrollment courses to one of three colleges, namely, the University of Idaho, College of Southern Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College. However, the process of moving will be time-consuming and will require teachers to reapply and resubmit their course syllabi for review.
The move comes after the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities called for NIC to “show cause” by March 13, 2023, why it should not lose accreditation. Many Lakeland teachers were aware of the potential difficulties at NIC and are prepared to apply to the new colleges. Lakeland dual credit courses are likely to move to the University of Idaho by the fall, depending on meetings with instructors and the board’s decision.
According to Arnold, U of I is adding an associate’s degree program that would supplement degree options previously offered by NIC. Board vice-chair Ramona Grissom also asked district staff to find out if Brigham Young University could be another option for dual enrollment courses. The board of trustees can reopen dual credit through NIC easily if the college stabilizes its accreditation
