The How to Become Accredited guide has been revised and is now posted on the WSCUC website for use by institutions seeking initial accreditation.

First approved in 2014 and updated regularly since, the guide outlines WSCUC’s three-stage path to accreditation: Eligibility, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation. It covers who may apply, the duration of each status, and the requirement to demonstrate compliance with all four WSCUC Standards and 41 Criteria for Review.

The most notable change in this revision is a new Eligibility Pilot Process, effective May 1, 2026. The pilot introduces upfront “fit and promise” and financial pre-reviews. Following an initial inquiry and a 30-minute consultation with the Eligibility Vice Presidents, invited institutions complete two parallel assessments: an Alignment Review, which evaluates fit with WSCUC’s mission, values, and strategic priorities, and a Financial Review. The Eligibility Vice Presidents then issue an advisory recommendation, and the WSCUC President makes the final, unappealable decision within 60 business days of a complete submission. Staff may waive either review based on an institution’s foundational readiness.

The revised guide also updates details on the post-eligibility timeline, Initial Accreditation requirements, required public-disclosure language, fee structures, and reapplication rules.