Starting in the fall, WSCUC’s 2023 Standards of Accreditation and associated reaffirmation processes will be mandatory for all institutional reviews. The new Standards, adopted in 2022, define the requirements for institutions to secure or reaffirm accreditation. They establish criteria for institutional quality, serve as the foundation for institutional reviews and actions, and provide a framework for institutional improvement.

WSCUC’s Standards are set forth broadly to support institutional autonomy and honor the unique missions, programs, students, and operations of member institutions. In alignment with U.S. Department of Education requirements and WSCUC’s commitment to its own continuous improvement, the Standards and Criteria for Review (CFRs) are periodically reviewed and updated. The new Standards were developed after extensive outreach and input from WSCUC member institutions, students, education policy organizations, and other stakeholders. WSCUC’s accompanying 2023 Handbook of Accreditation guides institutions through the institutional review process and supports peer review teams at each stage of review. About a dozen WSCUC institutions have already used the 2023 Standards to prepare reaffirmation reports.

The new Standards weave in requirements that promote success for all students. Additional information is available here.