Welcome Back to the New College Official Web Site!
This incarnation of newcollege.edu is primarily focused on communications to students and faculty engaged in the Teach Out for the Spring 2008 semester. We will also provide essential information for the hundreds of New College students and faculty who have been involved in academic pursuits and exceptional accomplishment over the years.
The primary objective is to ensure that all students have best opportunity to obtain accurate, official transcripts. As many know, many transcripts are in need of correction prior to final issue. I must have assurance as to the accuracy of the official record of academic accomplishment before I authorize posting. That may require that I gain access to documentation by a student, in some cases, and confirmation of accuracy provided by appropriate faculty. Such procedures are mandated by WASC. We all share commitment to maintain the integrity of a student’s academic process.
The volume of transcript requests to the present has been very high and will continue to be high. We anticipate another surge in June. It also should be stressed that opportunity to order transcripts will continue after the end of the Teach Out, June 30. Another institution of higher learning will serve as custodian of New College registrar, financial aid and other official records. Current and former students will always have the ability to access an official transcript. WASC provides assurance of this on-going access and fully advocates for and supports the inherent right of any student to have on-going access an official transcript. The ideal scenario is that well before June 30 an accurate transcript be ready for distribution in the future.
Transcript Requests
For all future transactions, requests for transcripts have to be filed using theTranscript Request form that is posted on this website as well as the WASC site. The transcript fee of $25.00 for one mailing is required. When submitting request information, carefully printed information is needed. I have seen many transcript requests with name and, particularly, address information that is almost impossible to read, and requires unneeded additional research. A transcript request can be Faxed and it is very easy to download a request form, then type in the needed information on your computer, then print and sign. More detail as best way to submit a transcript will be present on the New College website as we find the need based on feedback and requests.
This web site will continue after June 30, and by that time, detailed information will be posted on this site as well as the WASC website informing students about accessing official records of New College. You should not rely on information about transcript requests or any other official transaction with New College that is present on any other webpage that is in some way been associated with or has been created in response to events that have led to the necessity to end this historical phase of New College of California. Perhaps there will be some form of re-incarnation in the future.
Use of Teach Out Forms
On this site are the forms that have WASC approval and are to be used for all future transactions. All other forms and formats that may be indicated elsewhere than this website or the WASC website will not be honored.
Access to Transcripts with Degree Posted
It should be stressed that students whose tuition account have not been compromised by official action of the Department of Education nor by improper administrative action within the College, such students need to make arrangements to clear the student account before a transcript with a posted degree can be issued. That means that as in the past, if a student owes the college tuition, the degree posted transcript will not be issued until arrangements are made to clear a student account. Procedures for doing this will be finalized in the near future.
Prior Learning Participants.
Please see elsewhere on this site for information and assistance with completion of the prior learning process. You and I need to be sure to do all that is possible to complete your portfolio by the May 15 deadline. I know that my decision to take on an additional role has reduced access. Nonetheless, I will find a way to ensure that the portfolios submitted for assessment meet prior learning assessment standards established by the faculty over the years.
Personal Digression
I took on the role of Interim Chief Academic Officer without a lot of deliberation. I knew at the moment of decision that without a CAO for teach out, there would be no teach out. I was not the first choice. The accreditation status of the College ceased in late February with the major exception that for students now engaged in Teach Out, those students will also have accredited degrees provided all requirements are accomplished. All students who have completed a degree process in the past continue to have an accredited degree. What has ultimate value on the market of academe is an accredited transcript. There are countless institutions of higher learning that have ceased operation over the last decades, many because of the inability to maintain accreditation status. Nonetheless, students whose degree is or was accredited will always have an accredited degree. The ultimate value of the accredited degree is in part a matter of perception by others, and in part the perception of the holder. I have studied and attempted to teach economics over the years. I know that the question of value is subject to many interpretations. A simple approach to determining the ultimate value of a transcript is the value the student holder places on the work and accomplishments that led to degree completion. In any case, a New College degree will continue to have value.
I should also add that I have been through a somewhat similar transition in the past, but nothing like what is now taking place. I am willing to engage because I feel a strong commitment, above all, to students, because I have respect for all current and former faculty, because I have respect for current and former senior leadership, because I have the support of my family, and because I am in the stage of my life where
I will not need to obtain access to academic-related employment in order to live.
Volunteer Effort Encouraged
As many know, the College is in economic crises. Staff and faculty now engaged in teach out have gone without pay for a considerable period. A skeletal group remains. Any former or current student, faculty, staff or friend of the College is encouraged to volunteer some time and energy. For now, let me know by email if you would consider assisting with things like phone contact, generating data, filing, providing computer expertise, coordinating volunteer effort, or whatever you may wish to contribute.
Graduation: June 21
For students and faculty involved in Teach Out, there will be a graduation celebration June 21. Details will be posted on this site.
Contacting the College.
All questions and concerns about delays in obtaining a final transcript should be addressed to Tom Parsons rather than to the associate registrar. Such communication ideally should go through faculty and Directors when possible, but I will make supreme effort to respond or refer as appropriate. When making contact I strongly encourage you to be clear on what you require and focus on the objective of providing information and clarifying requests and needs. Most students making contact, despite being very unsure about the viability of the College, continue to engage in communication in a productive and generally respectful manner. Those few who have been threatening or hostile should consider another communication strategy. We will not interact with totally inappropriate behavior. I probably will rely on others to assist responding, but the ultimate source of authority regarding academic matters rests with me.
Contacting the College
Leave message with clear indication of name and phone number. Someone will respond.
Phone: 437-3460
Contacting Tom Parsons: You can leave a voice mail, but the best way to make contact is by email.
Phone: 415 437-3419
Email: tparsonsnc@gmail.com
Currently I am behind on my emails. If you do not hear from me within a reasonable period, please email me again, and remind me of your need for information or a response.
Respectfully,
Tom Parsons
Interim CAO