If only a newsletter
… could capture the joy and pride of the students and families at all our institutions’ commencement ceremonies. I attended and was especially touched by the very first graduation at EDvance College, one of WSCUC’s most recently accredited institutions and a pioneer in apprenticeship-based bachelor’s degrees for early childhood educators.
… could offer an assured path to respectful, thoughtful discourse on safe campuses when we return in the fall or give renewed energy to our hardworking campus leaders and teams.
But a newsletter CAN:
…. convey the sincerest of thanks to the outgoing and welcome to the incoming classes of dedicated and respected WSCUC Commissioners, who guide our focus on institutional quality.
… and it can introduce a fresh expression of WSCUC’s deep and long-standing commitment to success for all students consistent with principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
…. and this newsletter note gives me a perfect chance to share some of what I’ll be focusing on in the seasons ahead to advance our strategic goals before WSCUC announces, and I hand the WSCUC baton to, the next CEO.
I’ve been seizing every opportunity to speak and exchange ideas, from Inside Higher Ed, SHEEO (State Higher Education Executives Organization) and C-RAC (Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions, which I was honored to chair until last month) to the American Enterprise Institute and International Association of University Presidents. My goals include articulating – in an increasingly vigorous, high-stakes debate – the contributions and evolution of accreditation, including active attention to student outcomes and return on their investment of time and treasure and finding fresh ways to convey the value of higher education.
We’re excited about envisioning – with your help – the next phase of WSCUC learning experiences. Our community knows and values ARC and ALA. Under the leadership of Katie McAllister, new VP-Chief Learning Officer, we will listen to your ideas to create a rich menu of workshops, training, and opportunities for development and interaction.
The WSCUC team is taking a serious look at how we sustain our defining custom-tailored, supportive, improvement-focused approach to accreditation while assuring the necessary clarity, for institutions and the public, and consistency when institutions do not meet standards or are at risk.
And along with the International Committee of the Commission we are underscoring WSCUC’s enthusiastic invitation to institutions worldwide that share our commitment to equity, evidence, and innovation. It has been gratifying to bring into our community and conversation additional institutions that meet our Standards, bringing varied expertise from apprenticeship models to use of metrics, from multiple continents.
As always, I’m eager to hear how WSCUC can contribute to the success of students and institutions. I’m also grateful for your suggestions and your service to sustain our strong peer review model of quality assurance. A newsletter is a fine place to say thank you.
Jamienne S. Studley
At its June 28, 2024, business meeting, WSCUC welcomed four new members to its Commission and thanked departing Commissioners for their service. New Commissioners began their terms on July 1, 2024. Learn more.
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. Learn more.
The Commission seeks public comment on five policies. Please send comments to policies@wscuc.org by September 20, 2024. The Commission approved policies on complaints and third-party comments and conflict of interest. Learn more.
WSCUC will welcome Dr. Katie McAllister as Vice President – Chief Learning Officer (VP-CLO) on August 1, 2024. Dr. McAllister brings a deep understanding of national higher education issues and firsthand insight into WSCUC’s educational programs. Learn more.
Thirty-two higher education professionals representing the breadth of WSCUC institutions across the globe convened this month for the Accreditation Leadership Academy’s (ALA) 2024-25 kick-off meeting, setting in motion 10 months of dynamic learning and networking. Learn more.
A new book published by the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) highlights the trajectories of female institutional leaders and includes chapters authored by WSCUC president Jamienne S. Studley and Devorah Lieberman, former WSCUC Commissioner and president emerita, University of La Verne. Learn more.
Federal regulations now allow incarcerated individuals to use Pell Grants to enroll in approved Prison Education Programs (PEP). Institutions seeking to offer PEP must have WSCUC approval for both the instructional location and program(s) utilized in the PEP prior to submission of their application to the U.S. Department of Education. A formal agreement between the institution and the correctional facility’s oversight body is required for WSCUC approval. Please contact WSCUC staff members Michael Westerfield or John Hausaman if you have questions.
Table of Contents President’s Message KID Economic Outcomes Metrics WSCUC Seeks VP – Chief Learning Officer WSCUC Hosts Events for Institutional Leaders Commission Policy Changes WSCUC Commission Calendar President’s Message Greetings, colleagues. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or blooming where...Read More
Read MoreTable of Contents Important Message from WSCUC Chair and President President’s Letter: It’s All Connected to Student Success Seeking Nominations for WSCUC Commission by December 31 Educational Programming Update Commission Policy Changes & Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Changes WSCUC Commission...Read More
Read MoreTable of Contents Value and Standards: President’s Letter Updates to KID – Undergraduate Earnings Trends Educational Programming Updates Commission Policy Changes & Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Changes New Commissioners and Departing Commissioners Commission Actions New WSCUC Staff: Jackie Gee, Resource...Read More
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