On September 18-19, two members of the National Learning Communities Project visited Cuesta to assess and advise on the status and development of the Learning Community initiative. Dr. Ana Torres Bower from Cerritos College and Marcos Cicerone from De Anza College met with the participating faculty, staff, leadership team, and administrators as well as many students.

Their formal report commends the dedication, enthusiasm, and energy of the faculty and the organization and efficiency of the leadership team. Their recommendations address the following six key issues: student recruitment; program sustainability and institutionalization; systemic approach to implement new learning communities; faculty incentives and compensation; options for faculty training; and the role of the Learning Community Task Force.

Overall, the team believes that Cuesta is "off to a very strong start and has great potential to establish a solid, comprehensive learning communities program." The entire report is available on the Academic Support webpages at academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/lcreport.htm.