Navigating uncertainty is a shared experience in today’s higher education environment. Despite recent disruptions to our sector, WSCUC remains focused on academic rigor and evidence-based practices in support of success for all students. Our work promoting excellence through continuous improvement continues, with accreditation reviews scheduled at more than 40 institutions this spring. We’ve updated our Key Indicators Dashboard (KID) and planning for ARC2025 — where presentations will range from the primacy of institutional fundamentals to the immediacy of federal regulation — is underway. I encourage you to learn more about these and other activities at the links below.
WSCUC continues to champion accreditation and higher education. The Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC), of which WSCUC is a member, released a letter in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s Feb. 14 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL). Additionally, WSCUC joined 67 other leading organizations as part of the American Council of Education’s response to the DCL. The Department has since issued FAQs on the DCL and a memo outlining its future. We will keep member institutions informed as further information emerges.
Next week, we’ll welcome Maria Toyoda as WSCUC’s new president and CEO. Maria looks forward to connecting with you and your institutions and leading WSCUC into its next chapter. I know you’ll join me in warmly welcoming her as she begins her tenure on March 10.
It has been an honor to serve as WSCUC’s interim president. I’m grateful for your continued dedication to our shared mission.
Sincerely,
Christopher N. Oberg, PhD
Interim President
WSCUC has updated its Key Indicators Dashboard (KID) with the latest Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data, providing institutions, peer viewers, and the public the most up-to-date publicly available institutional metrics. Learn more.
Peer reviewers across the WSCUC network are updating their expertise profiles to reflect their most current experiences and skills, ensuring that institutional review teams are made up of volunteer experts whose backgrounds align with the institutions they evaluate. Learn more.
Join WSCUC on Wednesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. for Student Voices, Institutional Insights, where Inside Higher Ed senior editor Colleen Flaherty and student success editor Melissa Ezarik will examine the combined results of the 2024 Student Voice survey and the first-ever Student Success Administrator Survey. Learn more and register.
ARC2025 is fast approaching, convening in Orange County, California, April 2-4. With featured sessions for institutional leaders and ALOs, plus extensive workshops, concurrent sessions, networking opportunities, and social events, ARC2025 provides exceptional opportunities for leading and learning. Early bird registration closes at midnight tonight. Learn more and register.
ACE and the Carnegie Foundation will soon publish the 2025 Institutional Classification and a new Student Access and Earnings Classification — significant revisions to a system that plays a key role in shaping higher education. Insights from the 2025 Carnegie Classification Update: Navigating the New Multidimensional Approach will welcome ACE senior staff at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 1 as they offer a deeper understanding of institutional classifications and this important revision. Learn more and register.
WSCUC will launch its annual reporting period on May 1, requiring all eligible, candidate, and accredited institutions to submit data as part of the Commission’s ongoing institutional performance monitoring process. Learn more.
The Commission took action on 17 institutions at its February 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 seeks public comments on three policies and one guide. Comments are due to policies@wscuc.org by Friday, May 16, 2025. Learn more.
Table of Contents WSCUC Retains “Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity” In Standards President Studley Will Conclude Her Service as CEO December 18 After Seven Busy, Productive Years Christopher Oberg Appointed Interim President WSCUC Opens Path for Condensed/Reduced-Credit Programs Nominations...Read More
Read MoreTable of Contents Letter from the President WSCUC Adds New Commissioners, Thanks Departing Commission Members 2023 Standards to Take Effect This Fall Commission Policy Changes WSCUC to Welcome New Vice President – Chief Learning Officer Rising Leaders Gather for WSCUC’s...Read More
Read MoreTable 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
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