• WSCUC Newsletter: September 2026

    September 8, 2026 - WSCUC

Table of Contents

 

Message from the President

I hope you had a wonderful summer, and at least a little bit of downtime. At WSCUC, summer is when we prepare for fall visits, advance ongoing initiatives, and turn our attention to special projects. As we head into a busy fall, I’m pleased to begin sharing monthly updates as another way to stay connected with our community. We are watching the changes underway in higher education closely, and each issue will bring news from the Commission, resources for institutions, and information about upcoming programs.

Top of mind this summer, of course, has been the proposed Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) regulations. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was released August 20, and the deadline for public comment is September 21. WSCUC has reviewed the NPRM and is preparing formal comments. We have developed a summary of select provisions to help institutions understand what may affect their policies and operations. Institutions that wish to submit their own comments may do so at regulations.gov.

We have also continued our engagement with Department of Education officials and state higher education leaders. Last month, I met with Undersecretary Nicholas Kent, alongside the National Accreditation Commission and partner accreditors. More recently, I spoke with California higher education leaders about AIM and other federal and state developments affecting institutions in California. These conversations help WSCUC better understand developments as they unfold, share the perspectives of our institutions, and identify where we can provide useful guidance and support.

At the same time, we are creating opportunities for the WSCUC community to learn from one another and the work we do together. The call for proposals for ARC2027 opened last week, and I hope you will consider submitting a proposal and helping us shape the program. Next month, we will launch Accreditation Essentials, a new program for those who are new to accreditation work or who want a firmer grounding in it.

There is much happening across higher education and accreditation, and much for us to work through together. I look forward to staying connected with you through these monthly updates and to seeing many of you at WSCUC programs in the months ahead.
 
Maria Toyoda
President and CEO
WASC Senior College and University Commission
 

AIM NPRM: Key Provisions for Institutions

The Department of Education’s proposed AIM regulations are open for public comment through September 21. WSCUC is preparing formal comments and has summarized key provisions that may affect institutional policies and operations.
 

Commission Retires Two Agency Seats, Opening Both to Member Institutions

WSCUC’s Commission has voted to open two seats previously designated for ACCJC and ACS WASC representatives to leaders from WSCUC member institutions. Nominations for these seats, along with seats held by Commissioners whose terms end in 2027, will open in November. Learn more.
 

Share Your Insights and Shape ARC2027

We’re pleased to announce ARC2027, taking place April 7 – 9. The conference call for proposals is open now through October 19. WSCUC invites proposals that bring fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and ideas grounded in practice to the program. Learn More.