In late 2016 and early 2017 four new staff members joined WSCUC.
Henri Okinishi joins WSCUC as the new Information Systems Manager. He has worked as an IT professional in higher education and the non-profit sector for over 20 years. His diverse IT background includes experience in the areas of desktop support, systems administration and web/database programming.
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WSCUC announces a new Community of Practice for Advancing Learning Outcomes...
The Commission may request an Interim Report following a comprehensive review for reaffirmation of accreditation or a Special Visit to monitor the institution’s progress in complying with specific Commission recommendations.
Beginning in January 2017, Interim Reports considered by WSCUC’s Interim Report Committee (IRC) will undergo a new approval procedure. Recommendations made by the IRC on the reports they evaluate...
WSCUC has received a three-year grant from the Lumina Foundation to develop and facilitate a Community of Practice comprised of WSCUC institutions in order to increase leadership for and institutional capacity in learning outcomes assessment. Institutions, through their participation, will receive consulting and network support in the process of implementing organizational projects. Additionally, through the Community of Practice, a curated collection of learning assessment resources, tools...
WSCUC Applauds Enhanced Emphasis on College Graduation Rates
ALAMEDA, CA – As one of the seven regional higher education accreditors, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) today joined its Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC) partners in announcing a nationwide effort to place increased emphasis on graduation rates as part of accreditors’ ongoing review of colleges and universities.
WSCUC president Dr. Mary...
As a result of the recent closure of ITT Technical Institutes nationwide, local ITT students are exploring opportunities to continue their education at other postsecondary institutions in our region. Accordingly, I have reached out to several WSCUC member institutions with relevant program offerings to provide information that can assist them in helping students through this time of transition. While individual institutions retain sole control over admissions decisions and transfer of...
In order to conform with the expectations of the Department of Education, WSCUC has adjusted its definition of educational programs to include non-degree programs that bear academic credit. This change takes effect with any new programs, and associated locations, initiated July 1, 2016 or after. Non-degree programs, and associated locations, in existence prior to July 1, 2016 will be grandfathered into your institution’s scope of accreditation.
If your institution does not offer non...
June, 2016- The seven agencies comprising the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions are aware of, and disturbed by, a narrow definition of “student outcomes” that we find increasingly prevalent in public comment about higher education in general and accreditation in particular. This narrow definition-- how many students graduate, are employed, and are able to pay back their student loans-- has arisen, in least in part, due to a national completion agenda driven by...
After careful consideration, the Commission has authorized the development of a “Focused Accreditation Pathway,” a variant to the current review process for reaffirmation of accreditation. This new pathway, while as rigorous as the current institutional review process, will be a streamlined version of the Offsite Review and Accreditation Visit. A working group has been formed, consisting of Commissioners and representatives from the region, to develop a proposal for this new pathway that...
The Commission has approved the WASC Senior College and University Commission Strategic Plan 2017-2019. Based in large part on the feedback received from representative member institution in focus groups last summer, this plan’s three major strategic priorities are the umbrella for goals and projects related to stakeholder partnerships in support of institutional improvement, increased effectiveness and efficiency in our policies...
