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-degree programs that carry academic credit and has no plans to do so in the immediate future, there is nothing more you need to do.

If your institution offers such programs but has no plans to start new ones in the immediate future, there is nothing you need to do right now. A spreadsheet will be sent to ALOs this Fall to collect information on existing non-degree programs to ease in reporting them for the 2017 Annual Update.

If your institution plans to start a new non-degree program that carries academic credit after July 1, 2016, you will need to either notify WSCUC or submit the program for review through substantive change. Complete details are available in the Non-degree Programs Process and Procedures.

Staff Contact: John Hausaman