WSCUC will review its 2023 Standards of Accreditation and policies to align with evolving federal regulations. This review provides an opportunity to strengthen WSCUC’s commitment to institutional excellence, student-centered outcomes, and success for every student and to support continued federal financial aid access for students served by WSCUC-accredited institutions of higher education.

WSCUC will share updates on the review timeline as more information becomes available. The review process will include opportunities for input from member institutions and other stakeholders.

During the Standards review process, WSCUC will “stay” requirements in the Standards that reference diversity, equity and inclusion, which means we will temporarily pause these provisions in the Standards. The stay goes into effect immediately and will remain until the Commission determines whether any amendments to the Standards are necessary. The Standards review or stay of language in the Standards does not affect your institution’s accreditation status.

Institutions should adapt the language used in responses to align with the institution’s preferred terminology. WSCUC does not mandate the use of particular diversity, equity, and inclusion language or approaches. Rather, what’s important is that the institution demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the success of all students regardless of background. The institution will be held accountable for this broader educational focus while having flexibility in how it describes and frames its approach. All institutional policies and practices should comply with applicable laws and regulations.

WSCUC’s longstanding commitment to success for all students is not changing. WSCUC’s Standards emphasize academic excellence and institutional integrity in service of student success and meaningful student outcomes. Ensuring that every student has an opportunity to succeed, no matter the students’ race, national origin, disability, sex, religion, veteran’s status or other factors, is and will remain our enduring goal.

WSCUC will review its Standards and policies to align with new federal regulations and support continued federal financial aid access for students served by WSCUC-accredited institutions of higher education. Any potential amendments to our Standards will reflect our attention to outcomes and focus on quality, success for every student, and accountability and our obligation to follow state and federal laws.

Institutions and other stakeholders will have opportunities to provide feedback on any proposed amendments to the Standards, in accordance with WSCUC procedures and federal regulations governing recognition of institutional accrediting agencies. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

WSCUC acknowledges that institutions may operate in jurisdictions with differing legal requirements. In such cases, institutions should consult legal counsel and communicate with WSCUC about how they are navigating compliance. We will work with institutions to understand the context and support reasonable adaptations.

WSCUC may request supplemental information or clarifications but will work with institutions on a case-by-case basis to avoid unnecessary burdens. Any changes will be clearly communicated and implemented thoughtfully.

WSCUC will continue to offer timely updates, guidance documents, and one-on-one support through our staff liaisons. We encourage institutions to stay informed and consult legal counsel as needed.