College of the Marshall Islands

The College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is an autonomous community college offering two-year associate degree programs. It primarily serves students from within the Micronesian region and is designated as the post-secondary institution for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), as so enacted in RMI PL 1992-13, The College of the Marshall Islands Act. The College of the Marshall Islands offers degree programs in the areas of liberal arts, elementary education, business, and nursing and allied health.

Majuro Campus
The main campus of the College of the Marshall Islands is located in Uliga, Majuro Atoll. The College Administration Offices and the Library are located in the buildings formerly used as a hospital, as are some classrooms. The two-story Classroom Building, completed in 1991, has a 1996 four-classroom addition. The building also contains the Business Computer Lab, the College Achievement Project Learning Lab, and the Student Center, for study and quiet relaxation. Adjacent buildings house Land Grant Cooperative Research and Extension programs and PEACESAT administration and Upward Bound.

In 2006 CMI began a major construction program that to date has seen the completion of two major classroom buildings (Tolomour and Wapepe Halls), Energy/maintenance building, back - up power generation along with alternative power capability have been installed as well as fresh water production along with a new dormitory building. Currently the construction of the new administration building is set for a June 2011 completion date and construction of the new College Center has just begun with a target completion date in early 2012. Funding has just been made available to start the design and construction of the first floor of a new library building and the search for additional funding to complete the second floor is on - going.

Arrak Facility
The Arrak facility is approximately 25miles from the main CMI Uliga campus and this 10 acre site is being developed to handle some exciting new vocational and educational programs. A Substantive Change proposal and addendum have been submitted to the CMI accrediting agency (WASC) and there have been major improvements and additions to the infrastructure at the site. This includes facilities for distance education, carpentry and the new CMI Toolbox Program - Academic Boot camp. Arrak is also the home of the Cooperative Research and Extension program (Land Grant), where CMI has just taken over an aquaculture station and new black pearl hatchery. Preliminary discussions are also underway with other local partners at the possibility of re-establishing a new maritime training center at Arrak.

In the last few months CMI has been connected to the new fiber optic cable vastly increasing the internet capabilities at CMI. In addition CMI has been awarded significant resources to install distance education facilities at five locations through out the islands. CMI is also working on another substantive change proposal for the provision of a BA in Elementary Education, when combined with distance education will make a significant contribution to education in the RMI.

Accreditation Status
The College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In January 2006, the College had its accreditation status raised from "Show Cause" to "Probationary". A visit by WASC representatives then took place April 11-14, 2006. During the week of June 5-9, 2006, CMI President Wilson G. Hess made a presentation to WASC members regarding the continuing progress being made by CMI.

In January of 2009 CMI was taken off show cause and awarded with full accreditation.

Administrative Organization
CMI is governed by a Board of Regents appointed by the RMI Cabinet. The Board of Regents sets policies and appoints the President, who is responsible for the operation and general administration of the College.

Academic Freedom
CMI supports and protects academic freedom, which is guaranteed to all faculty members acting within the scope of their employment.

Faculty members are free to discuss their fields of expertise within their classrooms, to conduct research in their fields of special competence, and to publish the results of their research.

CMI recognizes that faculty members speak and write on their own time and as private individuals outside their CMI assignments, duties and responsibilities. They are absolutely free from censorship by CMI, by any administrator, and by the Board of Regents; they are also free from any form of CMI retaliation (such as discipline or dismissal) affecting their employment status.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
CMI complies with Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The College does not discriminate in matters of employment or of admission to education programs and activities because of race, sex, age, color, national origin, marital status, religion, disability or physical handicap.