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NIC’s accreditation status restored to good standing  

NIC Dual Credit Advisor Aleasha Lomas celebrates with others during a special board meeting on Monday at the Lake Coeur d’Alene Room of the Edminster Student Union Building on NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus.

North Idaho College is no longer on probation, and its accreditation status has been returned to good standing.

The accreditation status change marks the conclusion of a multi-year review process and reinforces the college’s long-term stability and commitment to students.  

“Regaining good standing is a testament to the strength and perseverance of NIC students, employees, and community,” NIC President Nick Swayne said. “The strength of this college lies in its people, those who refused to give up and stood firm against the chaos. With the distractions behind us, we can now focus entirely on delivering the quality education and opportunities our students expect and deserve.”

The college’s regional accrediting body, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, notified NIC by letter Monday, Feb. 9, that the college had met the requirements necessary to be taken off probation and return to good standing. The change to good standing ends an extended review process caused by board governance issues created by former trustees.

NIC Board Chair Tarie Zimmerman said the return to good standing reflects the institution’s sustained efforts to rebuild stability.

 “We’re ecstatic to see the hard work of everyone at NIC be rewarded,” Zimmerman said. “The board has worked deliberately to address past issues, restore effective governance, and ensure the college is positioned to serve students and the community with integrity and accountability. This is a special day.”

The decision follows several years of concerted efforts by the college to meet accreditation standards and demonstrate good board governance. 

“NWCCU is committed to an accreditation process that adds value to institutions while contributing to public accountability, and we commend North Idaho College for its meaningful progress and continued engagement in this process,” the accreditor’s letter said. 

Swayne said the college remained focused on students throughout the review process, even as accreditation status was under threat. 

“Throughout this entire period, one thing remained clear,” Swayne said. “Our commitment to providing high-quality education did not change. We continued to teach, support students, and serve this community.”

For more information, visit nic.edu/accreditation.