Mary Ellen Petrisko, president of WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), has announced that she will retire at the end of 2017.
“I’ve been fortunate to serve in the higher education arena for more than three decades, including nearly 10 years working to strengthen postsecondary quality through accreditation,” Dr. Petrisko said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished at WSCUC during my time with the agency and know that the Commission will remain a staunch advocate...
As announced by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, effective January 1, 2017, students enrolled in all California Corinthian Colleges campuses (including Heald Colleges) and California residents who were enrolled in an out-of-state Corinthian Colleges distance education program as of June 20, 2014, or withdrew within 120 days of this date, may be eligible for reimbursement from the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).
Former Corinthian Colleges students who believe they...
WSCUC currently collects completion data using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Graduation Rate Dashboard (GRD) data on individual institutions. Because each of these data sets has its limitations, WSCUC has engaged the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center in a pilot project using National...
The Public Disclosure of Accreditation Documents and Commission Actions policy describes the key documents that are made available to the public on the WSCUC website. The revised policy was edited for brevity and clarity, aligned policy with practice, added a section on the release of confidential documents, and specified the...
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.
...
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...
