The Commission is seeking public comments on two policies. For more information, click the link below. Please send comments to policies@wscuc.org by Friday, May 15, 2026. The Commission will review and consider all comments for adoption at its June 2026 meeting. In addition, the Commission approved one revised policy.
 

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON POLICIES

Review of Commission Standards Policy

This policy governs how the Commission reviews its standards and has been revised twice since 2013, most recently in 2022 to clarify the revision process and remove the ten-year review cycle. The current revision adds an emergency provision—already present in the policy review process—allowing the Commission to bypass the normal two-stage comment process in exceptional or time-sensitive situations, such as when governmental regulations require immediate alignment. This change would harmonize the two frameworks while maintaining transparency through required member communication and rationale whenever expedited action is taken.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

Competency-Based Education: Direct Assessment Programs Policy

Direct assessment—which measures learning through demonstrated competency rather than credit hours—is a growing modality that institutions may want to offer, particularly for non-traditional and working adult students. The policy establishes oversight standards that align with federal requirements, ensuring quality while enabling WSCUC to serve institutions pursuing this innovative educational model.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis
 

APPROVED POLICY

Reapplication after Denial of Candidacy or Initial Accreditation

The policy was last revised in 2019. This new revision streamlines the language while preserving all substantive requirements. The policy clarifies that appeals of a denial decision follow the Institutional Appeals Policy.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis