• Resource Library

The Resource Library contains all the core information we consider important to understanding of the various pieces of the accreditation experience. Here you will find guides to help you navigate the accreditation experience, relevant policies, reports used for data gathering, templates and samples of related documents, and more.

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FEATURED | PROCESS

Substantive Change Resources

Information on how institutions need to report and seek approval of changes to their mission, educational programs, scope, control or organizational structure.

PROCESS

About the Accreditation Management Portal (AMP)

Member institutions log in to the Accreditation Management Portal (AMP) to submit annual reports, request substantive changes, and view invoices. The AMP is also used by institutions to update profile information, institutional contacts, and details related to programs and locations.

GUIDES & MANUALS

Agreements with Unaccredited Entities Guide

This guide is for institutions considering entering into agreements with unaccredited providers and is designed to be referenced in conjunction with the Agreements with Unaccredited Entities Policy.

POLICY

Agreements with Unaccredited Entities Policy

When an accredited institution enters into an agreement with an unaccredited entity with the intent that the latter will provide services to the accredited institution, the accredited institution must ensure that the services provided by the unaccredited entity comply with the Commission’s Standards and policies.

FORM

Change in Ownership Implementation Form

Institutions must submit this form regarding Changes of Ownership, Mission or Form of Control within 30 days after implementation of the change.

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING MATERIALS

Common Issues in Sub Change Proposals

This list identifies the most commonly cited areas of revision in substantive change proposals. The first section lists issues commonly caught in the preliminary staff review done by WSCUC staff. Other sections identify common issues specific to undergraduate, graduate and distance education programs.

PROCESS

Developing Substantive Change Proposals

Information on Substantive Changes, including how they are defined, and the process for applying for such a change.

POLICY

Dual Degrees Policy

A dual degree program is defined as a program of study offered collaboratively by two institutions that leads to the award of a separate degree from each of the participating institutions. This policy outlines the expectations for institutions offering dual degree programs in conformity with the Standards of Accreditation (the Standards).

GUIDES & MANUALS

Graduate Program Review Guide

The purpose of these guidelines is to complement and inform the WSCUC Standards of Accreditation, providing more specific guidance about the planning, development, and evaluation of graduate programs. These guidelines are minimal baseline standards for quality and do not necessarily reflect robust or ideal characteristics of graduate programs.

POLICY

Joint Degrees Policy

A joint degree program is one in which a program is offered collaboratively by two or more accredited institutions and leads to the award of a single degree issued jointly by participating institutions. As outlined in this policy, institutions are expected to design and operate joint degree offerings in conformity with the Standards of Accreditation (the Standards) and relevant policies.

PROCESS

Peer Review Committee Charges

This document describes the roles and responsibilities of the three WSCUC peer review committees: the Substantive Change Committee, the Eligibility Review Committee, and the Interim Report Committee

PROCESS

Peer Review Committees

High level introduction to the three peer review committees: the Eligibility Review Committee, the Interim Report Committee, and the Substantive Change Committee.

PROCESS

Substantive Change Committee

Responsibilities of the Substantive Change Peer Review Committee.

GUIDES & MANUALS

Substantive Change Follow-up Site Visit Guidelines and Checklist

This guide describes the Substantive Change follow-up visit and provides the report template for teams to submit to WSCUC after the visit.

GUIDES & MANUALS

Substantive Change Manual

A substantive change at an accredited or candidate institution is a change that may significantly affect an institution's quality, objectives, scope, or control. Under both Commission policy and federal law, certain substantive changes are required to have prior approval. The procedures defined in the Substantive Change Manual provide guidelines for institutions to demonstrate compliance with these regulations and other WSCUC requirements.

POLICY

Substantive Change Policy

This document describes WSCUC’s Substantive Change Policy for institutions. A substantive change is one that may significantly affect the institution’s quality, objectives, scope, or control, or that triggers conditions established under federal law.

GUIDES & MANUALS

Substantive Change Pre-Approval Site Visit Guide

This guide describes the Substantive Change pre-approval site visit and the template for the visit report

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Substantive Change Proposal Templates

Links to the substantive change proposal templates.

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Template: Change in Mission, Ownership, or Form of Control

Template completed by institutions when submitting a Substantive Change Proposal related to change in mission, ownership, or form of control

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Template: Degree Progam (Doctoral) (On-ground or Distance Education)

This Substantive Change template is to be completed for new doctoral degree programs.

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Template: Degree Program (Assoc, Bachelor’s or Master’s) (On-ground or Distance Education)

This Substantive Change template is to be completed by institutions for the following types of programs at the Associates, Bachelors, or Masters level: New degree program offered at any location (main campus or any off-campus location, including international), distance education program (if 50% of more of the program will be offered by distance modality); joint or dual degree program

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Template: Degree Program (Competency-based or Direct Assessment)

This Substantive Change template is designed to frame a substantive Change proposal for awarding an academic degree that is based on measurable learning outcomes (competencies) or a combination of competencies and credit hours (hybrid model).

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Template: Staff Review–New Non-Degree Program

This Substantive Change template is to be completed for the following types of non-degree programs carrying academic credit (as determined by the institution): New program offered at any location (main campus or any off-campus location, including international); Distance education program (if 50% of more of the program will be offered by distance modality)

TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

Template: Standalone Location or Branch Campus

This Substantive Change template is for a new Additional Location or Branch Campus at which an institution plans to offer already approved degree programs.

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