• Commission Policy Updates

    July 9, 2025 - The Commission

The Commission is seeking public comments on one policy. For more information, click the link below. Please send comments to policies@wscuc.org by Friday, October 10, 2025. The Commission will review and consider all comments for adoption at its November 2025 meeting. In addition, the Commission approved three revised policies and one revised guide.
 

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON POLICIES

Accreditation Liaison Officer Policy (revised)

The policy was last revised in 2018. This revision introduces a new section that outlines the WSCUC liaison’s role, references an online training module to support ALOs, and expands ALO responsibilities with greater detail. Throughout the document, wording has been refined to enhance clarity and maintain consistency.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis
 

APPROVED POLICIES AND GUIDE

Credit for Prior Learning Policy (revised)

The revision of this 2015 policy streamlines credit for prior learning procedures while maintaining core standards. Key changes include removing the 25% credit limit toward degrees and eliminating mandatory transcript notation requirements. The policy now features improved organization with clear subheadings, providing institutions greater flexibility in recognizing students’ prior learning while ensuring consistent quality standards.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis
 

Transfer of Credit Policy (revised)

This policy has been updated from its 2020 version to clarify language, streamline organization, and address emerging educational models. The revisions incorporate newer learning approaches and alternative credentials while supporting both sending and receiving institutions in making clear, well-informed transfer credit decisions.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis
 

Accreditation Reviews for Institutions within a System Policy (revised)

While its initial adoption date is unknown, this revised policy enhances clarity through better organization and clear section headings. It expands guidance for evaluating institutions within a system while clarifying the system head’s role in accreditation reviews. Outdated administrative practices have been removed, creating a more streamlined and practical approach.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis
 

Institutions within a Systems Governance Guide (revised)

The 2018 guide has been streamlined to enhance readability while preserving essential content. Lengthy sections have been condensed and language refined for clarity. Removing prescriptive terms reinforces its role as a flexible resource that system boards can adapt to their specific needs and circumstances.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis
 

Informational Item

Substantive Change Policy (revised)

WSCUC’s Substantive Change Policy has been revised to align with federal regulations, clarifying which changes require Commission approval versus staff approval. Additional locations and Branch Campuses now require prior Commission approval through monthly Executive Committee meetings, though staff will continue evaluating proposals and making recommendations. The updated Substantive Change Manual reflects these policy changes and includes new processes for Prison Education Programs and Reduced Credit Bachelor’s Degree Programs. These regulatory-driven changes were implemented in March 2025 and the membership notified. While we value members’ engagement, these specific changes are being implemented to meet regulatory requirements and are therefore being shared for informational purposes.

Staff contact: John Hausaman