Caribbean University

CEO: Dr. Ana Cucurella Adorno, President
Accreditation Liaison Officer: Prof. Lillian Matos
Commission Staff Liaison: Dr. Tiffany Lee, Vice President
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs » Four-year, very small, primarily nonresidential
Control: Private (Non-Profit)
Former Name(s): Caribbean Junior College (4/1/1978)
Phase: Accredited
Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
Accreditation Granted: 1977
Last Reaffirmation: 2022
Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2028-2029

Contact Information

Road # 167 KM 21.2 PO BOX 493
Bayamon, PR 00960-0493

(787) 780-0070

www.caribbean.edu

February 21, 2023
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at Road 105 Bo. Limón, Km. 0.9, Mayagüez PR 00681 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary including the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that this additional location is being used in the United States Department of Education Pell for Students Who are Incarcerated Experiment under the Experimental Sites Initiative through June 30, 2023 for the following programs: (a) Electronics Engineering Technology (AAS) and (b) Digital Marketing (Technical Vocational Certificate). After June 30, 2023, the institution must submit a substantive change for the educational programs offered under the Federal Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs (PEPs) regulatory requirements to continue using Title IV funding at the location.
February 21, 2023
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at Road #5 Ave, Central Juanita Final, Bayamón, PR 00960 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that this additional location is being used in the United States Department of Education Pell for Students Who are Incarcerated Experiment under the Experimental Sites Initiative through June 30, 2023 for the following programs: (a) Electronics Engineering Technology (AAS); (b) Computer Programming (AAS); (c) Management Administration (AAS); (d) Accounting Administration (AAS) programs; and Digital Marketing (Technical Vocational Certificate). After June 30, 2023, the institution must submit a substantive change for the educational programs offered under the Federal Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs (PEPs) regulatory requirements to continue using Title IV funding at the location.
February 21, 2023
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at Road #2 Int 466 Bo. Guerrero, Aguadilla, PR 00603 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary including the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that this additional location is being used in the United States Department of Education Pell for Students Who are Incarcerated Experiment under the Experimental Sites Initiative through June 30, 2023 for the following programs: (a) Electronics Engineering Technology (AAS) and (b) Management Administration (AAS). After June 30, 2023, the institution must submit a substantive change for the educational programs offered under the Federal Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs (PEPs) regulatory requirements to continue using Title IV funding at the location.
February 21, 2023
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at Road #3 Km. 142.6, Guayama PR 00785 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary including the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that this additional location is being used in the United States Department of Education Pell for Students Who are Incarcerated Experiment under the Experimental Sites Initiative through June 30, 2023 for the following programs: (a) Electronics Engineering Technology (AAS) and (b) Management Administration (AAS). After June 30, 2023, the institution must submit a substantive change for the educational programs offered under the Federal Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs (PEPs) regulatory requirements to continue using Title IV funding at the location.
February 21, 2023
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at El Tuque, Sector Las Cucharas Road #2, Ponce, PR 00731 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that written evidence of necessary approvals has been provided. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that this additional location is being used in the United States Department of Education Pell for Students Who are Incarcerated Experiment under the Experimental Sites Initiative through June 30, 2023 for the following programs: (a) Electronics Engineering Technology (AAS); (b) Computer Programming (AAS);(c) Management Acquisition (AAS); and (d) Digital Marketing (Technical Vocational Certificate). After June 30, 2023, the institution must submit a substantive change for the educational programs offered under the Federal Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs (PEPs) regulatory requirements to continue using Title IV funding at the location. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2028-2029.
March 10, 2022
To acknowledge receipt of the self-study report. To note that the institution hosted a virtual site visit in lieu of an on-site visit in accordance with the United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 17, 2020. To reaffirm accreditation. To note that a verification visit is required by USDE guidelines and will be conducted within a reasonable period of time following the virtual site visit. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2028-2029.
October 29, 2020
To delay the On-Site Evaluation visit scheduled for Spring 2021 due to extraordinary circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions and to continue accreditation. To note the institution remains accredited during a delay granted by the Commission. The Evaluation visit will be scheduled in accordance with Commission policy and procedures.
October 29, 2020
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include alternative delivery method-distance education within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the Puerto Rico Board of Post-Secondary Institutions. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2020-2021.
April 16, 2020
To acknowledge receipt of formal written notice from the institution in response to the Commission's request of March 9, 2020. To temporarily waive Substantive Change Policy and Procedures and allow the use of distance education to accommodate students impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions, in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 5, 2020. Continued use of distance education beyond the limitations of USDE guidelines will require substantive change approval in accordance with Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. This flexibility is not available for clock-hour courses that lead to licensure if the licensing body will not accept distance learning courses or hours or give credit for them toward the number of hours a student must complete. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2020-2021.
November 15, 2018
To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that a follow-up visit will not be conducted. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2020-2021.
March 15, 2018
To accept the Supplemental Information report. To request a Supplemental Information report, due August 1, 2018, regarding the status of the institution. A small team visit may follow submission of the report. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2020-2021.
October 19, 2017
To request a supplemental information report due December 1, 2017, regarding the status of the institution.
November 17, 2016
To accept the Periodic Review Report and to reaffirm accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2020-2021.
June 26, 2014
To accept the monitoring report. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2016.
April 29, 2013
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request and to include the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction within the scope of the institution's accreditation. To remind the institution of the Commission request for a monitoring report, due April 1 2014, documenting (1) progress in strengthening institutional research capability to support institutional assessment and evidence that assessment results are shared and discussed with appropriate constituents and used to inform planning and resource allocation (Standards 2, 7); (2) progress in strengthening the documentation of the process for assessment of student learning outcomes at the institutional and program levels, and evidence that assessment results are used to improve teaching and learning (Standard 14). The monitoring report should also document progress to date on (3) the development of specific, detailed implementation plans that address the key priorities of the institution and the assignment of responsibility with specific timelines and resources (Standard 2); (4) increasing the number of full-time faculty as it becomes economically viable (Standard 10); (5) the evaluation of faculty recruitment by academic program and discipline (Standard 10); and (6) the dissemination and integration of information related to the assessment of student learning within the university community and among its constituents (Standard 14). The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2016.
June 28, 2012
To document receipt of the monitoring report, noting that the report necessitated extraordinary effort by the Commission's representatives performing the review, and to note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To remove probation because the institution is now in compliance with Standards 2 (Planning, Resource Allocation, and Institutional Renewal), 4 (Leadership and Governance), 7 (Institutional Assessment), 10 (Faculty) and 14 (Assessment of Student Learning), and to reaffirm accreditation. To request a monitoring report, due April 1 2014, documenting (1) progress in strengthening institutional research capability to support institutional assessment and evidence that assessment results are shared and discussed with appropriate constituents and used to inform planning and resource allocation (Standards 2, 7); (2) progress in strengthening the documentation of the process for assessment of student learning outcomes at the institutional and program levels, and evidence that assessment results are used to improve teaching and learning (Standard 14). To also request that the monitoring report document progress to date on (3) the development of specific, detailed implementation plans that address the key priorities of the institution and the assignment of responsibility with specific timelines and resources (Standard 2); (4) increasing the number of full-time faculty as it becomes economically viable (Standard 10); (5) the evaluation of faculty recruitment by academic program and discipline (Standard 10); and (6) the dissemination and integration of information related to the assessment of student learning within the university community and among its constituents (Standard 14). The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2016.
November 17, 2011
To note the visit by the Commission's representative. To remind the institution that it has been placed on probation because of insufficient evidence that the institution is in compliance with Standards 2 (Planning, Resource Allocation, and Institutional Renewal), 7 (Institutional Effectiveness), 10 (Faculty), and 14 (Assessment of Student Learning). To note that the institution remains accredited while on probation. To further remind the institution of the monitoring report, due by March 1, 2012, documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with Standards 2, 7, 10, and 14. To request that the monitoring report include, but not be limited to, documentation of (1) the development and implementation of a comprehensive institutional strategic plan that links long-range planning to decision-making, budgeting and resource allocation processes (Standard 2); (2) the development and implementation of a comprehensive, organized and sustained process for the assessment of institutional effectiveness, with evidence that assessment information is used in budgeting, planning and allocating resources (Standard 7); (3) steps taken to ensure that there is a sufficient number of appropriately qualified faculty to deliver academic programs and fulfill other responsibilities (Standard 10); and (4) the development and implementation of an organized and sustained assessment process to evaluate and improve student learning (Standard 14). To further request that the monitoring report document evidence of steps taken to clarify the role of the governing board and ensure on-going assessment of the board (Standard 4). A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. No substantive change requests will be considered until accreditation is reaffirmed. To further note that the Periodic Review Report submission date will be established when accreditation is reaffirmed.
June 23, 2011
To place the institution on probation due to insufficient evidence that the institution is in compliance with Standards 2 (Planning, Resource Allocation, and Institutional Renewal), 7 (Institutional Effectiveness), 10 (Faculty), and 14 (Assessment of Student Learning). To note that the institution remains accredited while on probation. To request a monitoring report, due by March 1, 2012, documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with Standards 2, 7, 10, and 14. To request that the monitoring report include, but not be limited to, documentation of (1) the development and implementation of a comprehensive institutional strategic plan that links long-range planning to decision-making, budgeting and resource allocation processes (Standard 2); (2) the development and implementation of a comprehensive, organized and sustained process for the assessment of institutional effectiveness, with evidence that assessment information is used in budgeting, planning and allocating resources (Standard 7); (3) steps taken to ensure that there is a sufficient number of appropriately qualified faculty to deliver academic programs and fulfill other responsibilities (Standard 10); and (4) the development and implementation of an organized and sustained assessment process to evaluate and improve student learning (Standard 14). To further request that the monitoring report document evidence of steps taken to clarify the role of the governing board and ensure on-going assessment of the board (Standard 4). A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. No substantive change requests will be considered until accreditation is reaffirmed. To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations for reporting. To further note that the Periodic Review Report submission date will be established when accreditation is reaffirmed.

Distance Education
Approved to offer programs by this delivery method
Correspondence Education
Not approved for this delivery method

Approved Credential Levels

The following represents credential levels included in the scope of the institution’s accreditation:

Postsecondary award (1-2 years) Included within the scope
Associate's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
Master's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
Doctor's Degree- Research/Scholarship Included within the scope to offer ONE program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

Main Campus
Caribbean University
Road # 167 KM 21.2 PO BOX 493
Bayamon, PR 00960-0493
Additional Location
Bayamon Correctional Complex
Road # 5 Ave. Central Juanita Final
Bayamón, PR 00960
Opened: 02/21/2023
Additional Location
Carolina
C-106 Ignacio Arzuaga
Carolina, PR 00985
Additional Location
Centro de Detención del Oeste
Road 105 Bo. Limon Km. 0.9
Mayaguez, PR 00681
Opened: 08/01/2023
Additional Location
Complejo Correccional de Guayama
Road #3 Km. 142.6
Guayama, PR 00785
Opened: 08/01/2023
Additional Location
Complejo Correccional Guerrero
Road #2 Int 466 Bo. Guerrero
Aguadilla, PR 00603
Opened: 08/01/2023
Additional Location
Complejo Correccional Sgto. Pedro Rodriguez Mateo
El Tuque sector Las Cucharas Road #2
Ponce, PR 00731
Opened: 02/21/2023
Additional Location
Ponce
1015 Ednita Nazario Avenue, La Ceiba
Ponce, PR 00716
Additional Location
Vega Baja
Bo. Algarrobo Sector El Criollo Road # 671
Vega Baja, PR 00693

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