Table of Contents
- Message from the President
- Commission Adopts Updated 2023 Standards
- New Data Narrative Brings Greater Transparency to College Costs and Value
- ARC2026 Call for Proposals Due October 15
- WSCUC Seeks Commission Support Manager
- Inside Higher Ed: WSCUC President on Turning Data to Action
- WSCUC President Featured in Higher Ed Podcasts
- WSCUC Commission Calendar
Message from the President
Across WSCUC’s membership, institutions are welcoming students to a new academic year and reaffirming the missions that guide their work.
I had the pleasure of visiting two WSCUC institutions recently that bring their missions to life in very intentional ways. At one, a faith-based mission of healing and service permeates every aspect of its health professions programs and community partnerships. At the other, tailored programs and creative partnerships expand access for adult learners, many of whom have military backgrounds.
What unites these institutions is how deeply they know their students. Through robust data systems and a culture of continuous improvement, they monitor progress, identify barriers, and act on evidence to strengthen results. They demonstrate that when institutions understand who they are, who they serve, and how to align practice with purpose, student success naturally follows.
WSCUC’s updated 2023 Standards of Accreditation are grounded in institutional mission and place student success at the center. Shaped by your feedback, the updated Standards are clear, rigorous, and reinforce our shared commitment to success for every student.
In the months ahead, WSCUC will continue supporting institutions in turning mission into measurable results. ARC2026: Mission > Action > Impact will explore innovative approaches to translating institutional purpose into student success. Other upcoming programming focuses on using data to strengthen student outcomes and institutional effectiveness, connecting skills to careers, and student mobility.
I look forward to connecting with you at upcoming WSCUC convenings and during future campus visits. Thank you for the work you do every day to advance educational quality and student success.
Maria Toyoda
President, WSCUC
Commission Adopts Updated 2023 Standards
Adopted on October 6, 2025, the updated Standards enhance clarity, align with federal directives, and reinforce WSCUC’s focus on student outcomes. Learn more.
New Data Narrative Brings Greater Transparency to College Costs and Value
Amid national conversations on affordability, student debt, and graduate earnings, WSCUC launched the Data Narrative, a new feature in the Key Indicators Dashboard (KID) that makes complex cost and outcomes data easier to interpret and apply. Learn more.
ARC2026 Call for Proposals Due October 15
WSCUC invites proposals for engaging and thought-provoking sessions exploring ARC2026’s conference tracks. Learn more.
WSCUC Seeks Commission Support Manager
The Commission Support Manager coordinates activities that support Commission functions, including elections, monthly and annual meetings, standing committees and work groups, and special projects. Applications are due October 22. Learn more.
Inside Higher Ed: WSCUC President on Turning Data to Action
In a recent article in Inside Higher Ed, WSCUC President Maria Toyoda explains why accreditors are uniquely positioned to help colleges unlock the full potential of the data they already collect. Read article.
WSCUC President Featured in Higher Ed Podcasts
WSCUC President Maria Toyoda joined recent podcasts to discuss the evolving role of accreditation in higher education. Click the links below to listen to the episodes.
WSCUC Commission Meeting Calendar
- Commission Retreat
Nov 5 – 7, 2025 - Commission Meeting
Feb 11 – 13, 2026 - Commission Meeting
June 24 – 26, 2026