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...
A revision to the Public Disclosure of Accreditation Documents and Commission Actions Policy is being circulated by the Commission to the region for public comment. This policy will be considered by the Commission during the November 2016 Meeting.
This policy describes key documents and Commission decisions related to the accreditation process that are made available to the public on the...
We are pleased to announce that the Nominating Committee’s proposed slate has been approved by the CEOs of the WSCUC-accredited institutions.
Our newly-elected Commissioners are:
1) Cynthia Baum, Chancellor, Argosy University
2) Bethami Dobkin, Provost and Vice President, St. Mary’s College
3) Phillip Doolittle, Executive Vice Chancellor, Brandman University
4) Mildred García, President, California State University, Fullerton
5...
For the past year, WSCUC has been one of more than 100 organizational co-sponsors of the Connecting Credentials project. The Lumina Foundation is currently conducting a credential survey to learn more about the growing practice of embedding industry and professional certifications within higher education programs. This national survey...
This coming academic year, WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) is offering a full lineup of educational events designed to support your institution in addressing student success, educational effectiveness, and institutional quality. The complete schedule is HERE. There are several new offerings available; several that have been significantly revised; and a few long-standing favorites. Registration for these...
