Make an impact on higher education. WSCUC Commissioners champion student success and institutional excellence through accreditation reviews and policy decisions. Nominees will have a passion for educational quality and student success; independent judgment and high ethical standards; and a commitment to three annual meetings and service on committees. Nominees should demonstrate the capacity to apply Commission Standards with rigor, consistency, and a focus on improvement.
Nominations open November 3, 2025. Nominate others by January 12 or self-nominate by January 19, 2026.
Nomination Priorities
For this nomination cycle, the Nominating Committee is especially interested in considering nominees with expertise in financial management, student success, organization change and leadership, national education policy, and experience with higher education policy.
For institutional members, the Nominating Committee also takes into consideration other factors including professional roles (such as faculty, student affairs, finance, and planning) and institutional type, size, and location.
WSCUC is happy to accept nominations and self-nominations.
Time and Service Commitment
Service on the Commission requires a significant time commitment. The Commission meets three times a year (February, June, and November) for 2 1/2 days. Preparation is substantial, requiring review of team reports and policy materials. Each Commissioner also serves on one or more Commission committee(s) or work groups. Commissioners are invited to serve occasionally as members of accrediting teams and to attend WSCUC educational programs. Prior service on accrediting teams is valuable but not required. However, peer reviewer training is required.
Who serves on the commission?
Institutional Commissioners are drawn from among presidents/CEOs, faculty, and administrators of WSCUC-accredited institutions around the world. Because of the wide range of member institutions in terms of mission, affiliation, programs, size, complexity, and location, it is important that Commissioners be sensitive to the various missions of the institutions served by the Commission and their student bodies.
Public Commissioners help assure independence and fresh perspectives on the Commission by bringing expertise and experience from beyond higher education or from institutions not accredited by WSCUC.
Questions?
Any questions about the nomination process should be sent to kmatarrese@wscuc.org.
How to Submit a Nomination
If nominating yourself:
Self-nominations must be received before January 19, 2026.
The nomination form requests the following information:
(1) Your curriculum vitae.
(2) A brief, 250-word statement addressing the following: (a) how your professional experience aligns with the Commission’s responsibilities and priorities, (b) your interest in and experience with quality assurance and accreditation, and (c) your willingness to take on the significant responsibilities and time involved in serving as a commissioner.
We recommend you have these materials ready prior to starting the nomination form.
If nominating someone else:
Nominations are due before January 12, 2026.
Before submitting a nomination for the Commission, you must contact the nominee to confirm their willingness to serve.
The nomination form requests the following information:
(1) A brief statement that includes: (a) how you know the nominee, including length of time and nature of the professional relationship, (b) the nominee’s qualifications, (c) their effectiveness in a collaborative setting, and (d) how their experience and skills align with the Commission priorities outlined in the call for nominations.
We recommend you have the statement ready prior to starting the nomination form.
Step 1
Nominations
Nominations to the Commission are invited from across the WSCUC membership. The nomination process occurs in autumn of each year, and is coordinated by the Nominating Committee.
You may choose to nominate yourself or another individual.
Step 2
Nominee Follow-up
Nominees who have been nominated by a colleague submit their materials using the button below.
Nominee FormStep 3
Voting
Once all nominees have been reviewed by the Nominating Committee, a final slate of candidates is presented to the membership for voting. In accordance with Commission Bylaws, only CEOs of WSCUC-accredited institutions are eligible to vote in the Commission Election.
Step 4
Results
Election results are announced at the conclusion of the balloting period.