The Commission is seeking public comments on one policy and one document. For more information, click the link below. Please send comments to policies@wscuc.org by Friday, October 2, 2026. The Commission will review and consider all comments for adoption at its November 2026 meeting. In addition, the Commission approved two revised policies.

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

Institutional Litigation Policy

This policy requires institutions to notify the Commission of any pending litigation or legal actions with non-WSCUC parties that are material to their ability to meet Commission Standards and policies. The Commission does not adjudicate or comment on the merits of such litigation; its interest is limited to whether the matter affects compliance. Institutions must disclose the subject of the dispute, the amount in controversy, and their plans for addressing an adverse outcome. Information sharing with peer review teams is coordinated through the Accreditation Liaison Officer, and institutions may assert attorney-client privilege. Examples of reportable matters include fraud allegations, criminal charges, agency or law enforcement actions, regulatory investigations, and class action suits. Notification is an ongoing obligation.
Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

Engagement with WSCUC Between Reaffirmations (to be added to the Handbook of Accreditation, 2023 Revised)

This document explains why the Commission engages with institutions between reaffirmation reviews and, for each of the three mechanisms—Progress Report, Interim Report, and Special Visit—outlines key characteristics, process, due process considerations, and typical use. It confirms that more than one engagement may be required when warranted and closes with criteria for determining which mechanism is appropriate.
Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

APPROVED POLICIES

Review of Commission Standards Policy

This policy governs how the Commission reviews its standards and has been revised twice since 2013. 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 harmonizes the two frameworks while maintaining transparency through required member communication and rationale whenever expedited action is taken.

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.