The U.S. Department of Education recently finalized the Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven (AHEAD) Workforce Pell regulations, establishing a new earnings accountability framework for postsecondary programs. These regulations arrive weeks after the final round of negotiations for the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) committee. The AHEAD regulations carry direct implications for institutions; AIM regulations, while still under negotiation, point toward further changes ahead.
WSCUC has already begun preparing on several fronts, including developing work plans and organizing reviews of our policies, guidance documents, and Criteria for Review. We are also developing educational programming to help institutions understand and apply the new requirements and updating our Key Indicators Dashboard to support institutional analysis and reporting.
As the AIM rulemaking process moves toward finalization, WSCUC will submit formal comment on the proposed regulations. We will also remain engaged with Department officials, working to ensure that implementation reflects the complexity and range of missions across our institutions.
WSCUC’s commitment to supporting institutions as they advance their missions, strengthen quality, and promote success for all students does not shift with the regulatory landscape. We will continue to keep institutions informed as new federal requirements are implemented and proposed regulations move through the rulemaking process. As always, institutions are welcome to reach out to their WSCUC liaison at any time with questions or concerns.
Maria Toyoda
President and CEO
WASC Senior College and University Commission
The U.S. Department of Education has issued final regulations establishing a new earnings accountability framework for postsecondary programs. The regulations will take effect on July 1, 2027. Read more.
WSCUC has granted initial accreditation to four institutions: INSEAD, Kansas Health Science University, Southwestern Law School, and Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla. The newly accredited institutions reflect the breadth of WSCUC’s community and the Commission’s commitment to rigorous evaluation grounded in institutional mission. Read more.
The Commission’s newest members bring experience across institutional leadership, academic affairs, finance, data, policy, international education, and student success. Learn more.
We are pleased to introduce WSCUC Accreditation Essentials, a new program designed to demystify WSCUC accreditation and build participants’ confidence in navigating accreditation activities. New ALOs, those stepping into accreditation work for the first time, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding are all welcome. Offered in-person and online this October.
The featured posters from Concordia University Irvine, Palo Alto University, and Pacific Oaks College explored faculty engagement with AI, student perspectives on assessment and accreditation, and the use of Universal Design for Learning to support more inclusive learning environments. Read more.
WSCUC has updated its eligibility process for institutions interested in pursuing accreditation. The process begins with an initial inquiry and conversation with WSCUC staff, followed by Alignment and Financial Reviews to help determine institutional readiness before an Application for Accreditation is submitted. A new How to Become Accredited Guide provides additional information about Eligibility, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation. Learn more.
WSCUC has published guidance to help institutions accurately describe WSCUC, their relationship to the agency, and their accreditation status across public-facing materials. The guide includes required language for accredited, candidate, and eligible institutions, and institutions under Notice of Concern or sanction. Learn more.
The Commission took action on several institutions at its June meeting. Copies of Commission Action Letters (CALs) and visiting team reports are available on individual institution pages on WSCUC’s site. Learn more.
The Commission invites public comment on the Institutional Litigation Policy and on a new page proposed for the 2023 Handbook of Accreditation (revised), Engagement with WSCUC Between Reaffirmations. In addition, two policies previously open for comment, the Review of Commission Standards Policy and the Competency-Based Education: Direct Assessment Programs Policy, have been finalized. Learn more.
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