The reactions came quickly. After the decision, students began protesting outside the administration building.
"It's more about bureaucracy than the fact that they have failed. I think you are not giving credit to the staff. I think it's a wonderful set of people here and I feel like they are still here to help me. And I'm willing to wait it out," said student Kelly Jones.
"They already downsized the college. They diminished the mission statement. They've cut so many of our programs of our services. Our courses have been cut dramatically; they've fired 39 counselors," said student Lalo Gonzalez.
The next step for the college is the appointment of a special trustee who will have final say on all matters.
"We'll be streamlined. The participatory governance committees will continue. We'll keep doing the work. They will be listened to. Absolutely part of the process as it always has been. There will now be one trustee instead of seven," said CCSF spokesperson Jennifer Aries.
CCSF has the ability ask for a review of this decision and also to appeal it. That could take several months. In the meantime, school administrators say classes will continue next year and students continue to enroll. They will get college credit for those classes at least through July.
State Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, issued the following statement Wednesday regarding City College of San Francisco:
"I am deeply disappointed in today's decision to end the accreditation of the City College of San Francisco (CCSF). CCSF is a critical resource for students and communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and I am confident every effort will be made to reverse this decision through the appeals process. I stand ready to work with the Administration, Special Trustee and the community to rescue this vital institution, so that CCSF not only survives this difficult time but experiences a rebirth in the future as a more efficient institution. One in eight San Franciscans is enrolled at City College, and as such, it is a vitally important public institution. We will do what is necessary to sustain its accreditation. In the meantime, it is essential to note that City College remains open for enrollment."
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee also released a statement saying:
"I am deeply disappointed that the progress made over the last year at City College has not adequately addressed the serious concerns brought by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
A bold plan of action is needed to rescue City College. For this reason, I fully support the recommendation to appoint a special trustee with full authority by the Community Colleges Board of Governors to expedite reforms that are needed for the college to continue. I will work closely with my Education Leadership Council and City staff to provide City College with the support it needs to keep its accreditation.
These will be difficult times for the College, but this is the time to commit to true reforms and revitalization, so that this irreplaceable and valued institution continues. We must put City College on a path to long term success to make sure San Franciscans have access to critical education and workforce training. The College is too important to our City's social and economic future, and central to our efforts to equip our youth and adults with the skills to compete and succeed in the 21st Century economy. Our City's economy depends on it, and our students deserve no less.
I want to thank the State Chancellor for keeping City College a priority and for his commitment to keeping the institution open and providing hope and an affordable opportunity for College to every San Franciscan."
