Accreditation Essentials Online is a series of five online meetings exploring highlights of the Accreditation Essentials in-person program. Led by WSCUC leadership, staff, and experienced Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALOs), these virtual sessions demystify WSCUC accreditation and provide practical insights into accreditation processes, expectations, and best practices.
For a more comprehensive version of this program, consider Accreditation Essentials In-Person October 8-9th 2026.
Interested in learning more about the WSCUC Accreditation Essentials program? Join a drop-in information session with WSCUC VP Katie McAllister.
About the program
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Through a series of interactive Zoom sessions, participants will:
- Explore the WSCUC Standards, peer review process, and key policies and procedures, including substantive change.
- Strengthen their understanding of WSCUC’s approach to data and evidence, including the use of data narratives in the Key Indicators Dashboard (KID) and the development of meaningful institutional benchmarks.
- Build confidence in communicating about accreditation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
- Strengthen capacity to represent and lead accreditation-related activities across the institution.
- Examine how foundational assessment practices are evolving in the age of artificial intelligence.
- Connect with peers from WSCUC institutions.
With expert-led sessions, real-world examples, and interactive discussions, participants will gain actionable strategies to strengthen accreditation readiness and foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement across their institutions.
Audience
This program is intended for new ALOs, individuals who are involved—or may become involved—in accreditation activities at their institutions, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of WSCUC accreditation leadership.
All backgrounds are welcome, including those in academic leadership, institutional research, faculty, student affairs, and administrative roles.
Please note: This program is designed to build foundational knowledge of WSCUC accreditation and practical competence in applying WSCUC Standards, key policies, and activities. It is not intended as in-depth institutional training for a specific accreditation review or visit, such as seeking accreditation, reaffirmation, or a special visit.
Sample Schedule
Overview of Sessions
Each of the 5 online meetings below are from 10:00AM - 11:30AM Pacific Time.
Understanding the Standards and WSCUC Approach to Accreditation (90 mins)
This session provides an introduction to the WSCUC Standards of Accreditation and the landscape of accreditation, including a short overview of current developments from a regulatory perspective. Participants will also learn key principles underlying WSCUC's mission-focused approach to accreditation, continuous improvement, and innovation.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC President Maria Toyoda
• WSCUC Vice President Katie McAllister
• WSCUC Vice President Susan Opp
Data & Evidence (90 mins)
This session provides an introduction to WSCUC's approach to data and evidence, including key metrics, benchmarking, and regulatory priorities. Participants will gain an understanding of the evidence examined by peer reviewers and how data supports institutional narratives in accreditation.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC Vice President Stephanie Huie
• WSCUC Vice President Katie McAllister
Substantive Change (90 mins)
This session provides an introduction to Substantive Change, including distance education. Participants will understand key requirements in this space as well as how WSCUC approaches substantive change review.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC Vice President John Hausaman
• WSCUC Associate Michael Westerfield
AI and Authentic Assessment (90 mins)
Understanding and demonstrating student learning outcomes is a core aspect of accreditation. This session explores how AI is disrupting traditional approaches to assessment and how institutions are adapting. Participants will gain an understanding of how AI is impacting assessment, and practical strategies institutions are exploring to ensure their assessment practices reflect student learning.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• Sonny Calderon, Vice President of Academic Affairs and ALO, New York Film Academy. WSCUC Substantive Change Committee 2019-2022
• Rosa Belerique, EDvance College, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research and ALO
• Tiffany Rodriquez, Chief Academic Officer, American College of Healthcare Sciences. WSCUC Substantive Change Committee 2021-2023
Bringing it Together: A Virtual Case Study (90 mins)
This interactive capstone session allows participants to apply concepts from the series while strengthening their ability to lead accreditation activities at their institutions.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC Vice President Katie McAllister
• Su Swarat, Senior Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and ALO, California State University, Fullerton. WSCUC Interim Report Committee Member (2018–2021)
• WSCUC Vice President Amy Wallace
Please note: there will be light pre-readings and pre-session reflection questions or tasks associated with each topic.
Session 1 - Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Understanding the Standards and WSCUC Approach to Accreditation (90 mins)
This session provides an introduction to the WSCUC Standards of Accreditation and the landscape of accreditation, including a short overview of current developments from a regulatory perspective. Participants will also learn key principles underlying WSCUC's mission-focused approach to accreditation, continuous improvement, and innovation.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC President Maria Toyoda
• WSCUC Vice President Katie McAllister
• WSCUC Vice President Susan Opp
Session 2 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
Data & Evidence (90 mins)
This session provides an introduction to WSCUC's approach to data and evidence, including key metrics, benchmarking, and regulatory priorities. Participants will gain an understanding of the evidence examined by peer reviewers and how data supports institutional narratives in accreditation.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC Vice President Stephanie Huie
• WSCUC Vice President Katie McAllister
Session 3 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Substantive Change (90 mins)
This session provides an introduction to Substantive Change, including distance education. Participants will understand key requirements in this space as well as how WSCUC approaches substantive change review.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC Vice President John Hausaman
• WSCUC Associate Michael Westerfield
Session 4 - Thursday, October 22, 2026
AI and Authentic Assessment (90 mins)
Understanding and demonstrating student learning outcomes is a core aspect of accreditation. This session explores how AI is disrupting traditional approaches to assessment and how institutions are adapting. Participants will gain an understanding of how AI is impacting assessment, and practical strategies institutions are exploring to ensure their assessment practices reflect student learning.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• Sonny Calderon, Vice President of Academic Affairs and ALO, New York Film Academy. WSCUC Substantive Change Committee 2019-2022
• Rosa Belerique, EDvance College, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research and ALO
• Tiffany Rodriquez, Chief Academic Officer, American College of Healthcare Sciences. WSCUC Substantive Change Committee 2021-2023
Session 5 - Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Bringing it Together: A Virtual Case Study (90 mins)
This interactive capstone session allows participants to apply concepts from the series while strengthening their ability to lead accreditation activities at their institutions.
Lead speakers and facilitators:
• WSCUC Vice President Katie McAllister
• Su Swarat, Senior Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and ALO, California State University, Fullerton. WSCUC Interim Report Committee Member (2018–2021)
• WSCUC Vice President Amy Wallace
Please note: there will be light pre-readings and pre-session reflection questions or tasks associated with each topic.
Key Details
Registration Information
Date: October 13 / 15 / 20 / 22 / 28, 2026
Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM Pacific Time each meeting
Registration fee (as space permits):
• Early bird - $350 per person until August 1, 2026
• Regular registration - $375 per person until September 16, 2026
• Late registration - $400 after September 16, 2026
Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM Pacific Time each meeting
Registration fee (as space permits):
• Early bird - $350 per person until August 1, 2026
• Regular registration - $375 per person until September 16, 2026
• Late registration - $400 after September 16, 2026
FAQ
When will I receive my Zoom links?
Zoom links for each session will be sent with your registration confirmation.
Are there other responsibilities beyond attending the Zoom sessions?
There will be light pre-readings and pre-session reflection questions or tasks associated with each topic. The Zoom sessions are interactive, so please be sure to join from a quiet place so you can un-mute and converse with your colleagues and the facilitators.
What is the cancellation policy?
Registration is transferrable within your institution if you are unable to attend. Cancellations prior to September 21 will receive a refund less a $50 processing fee. We are unable to provide refunds after September 21, 2026.