• The Role of Peer Evaluators

What - or Who - Are Peer Evaluators?

The peer review process is a hallmark of quality assurance in American higher education and relies on qualified and experienced professionals. Peer evaluator volunteers, drawn principally from higher education institutions, are the key actors in conducting reviews.

Core to our Accreditation System

Peer review is the core of our accreditation system, and its strength and success depend on the generous contribution of insight, effort, and time by hundreds of dedicated volunteers each year. Evaluators are selected for review teams based on their expertise and experience and reflect a diverse, skillful blend of members in terms of gender, race, professional background, and expertise.

Becoming a Peer Evaluator

If you are interested is serving as a peer evaluator please submit the Volunteer Interest form. If you have questions about this form, or about service on an accreditation visit, please contact vipsupport@wscuc.org.

Volunteer Interest Form

Peer Evaluator Key Resources

This page provides resources specific to our peer evaluators who volunteer to serve in this important role, including details about the Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) and our Conflict of Interest Policy. Information related to the accreditation process specific to Peer Review Teams can be found on the Peer Teams Resources page.

FEATURED | PROCESS

Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) Login

The Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) is for Peer Evaluators and other volunteers in our community. A person’s VIP account allows them to: create and update their profile; share areas of expertise and necessary details to be considered for future volunteer opportunities; view current team information and see peer evaluator history via My Teams; and access the Key Indicators Dashboard (KID).
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PROCESS

About the Volunteer Information Portal (VIP)

The Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) is for Peer Evaluators and other volunteers in our community. A person’s VIP account allows them to: create and update their profile; share areas of expertise and necessary details to be considered for future volunteer opportunities; view current team information and see peer evaluator history via My Teams; and access the Key Indicators Dashboard (KID).
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WORKSHOPS & TRAINING MATERIALS

ACC 101: Accreditation Basics Course Content

A PDF of the training content for peer evaluators. The Accreditation 101 course is required for all new volunteers who will serve on a peer review team and provides an overview of the institutional accreditation model.
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WORKSHOPS & TRAINING MATERIALS

Accreditation Resource Conference (ARC)

WSCUC’s Accreditation Resource Conference (ARC) is an annual gathering of WSCUC and the broader higher education community that focuses on issues of critical importance and features presentations and content geared towards accreditation and institutional improvement.
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GUIDES & MANUALS

Assistant Chair Role and Responsibilities Guide

This guide describes the responsibilities of an institution accreditation team’s assistant chair in providing support for the team and chair throughout the accreditation process.
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POLICY

Conflict of Interest Policy

This policy describes the duty to avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest applying to all participants in the accreditation process pertaining to an institution. This includes individuals who are selected to serve on review teams, Commissioners, committee and panel members, working group members, staff members, consultants, and any other individual who acts on behalf of the Commission. It complements Commission expecations related to ethical conduct.

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WORKSHOPS & TRAINING MATERIALS

EVAL 101: Peer Evaluator Orientation and Training Course Content – Reaffirmation of Accreditation

A pdf copy of the training content for peer evaluators. The EVAL 101 Reaffirmation of Accreditation course prepares new volunteers who will serve on a review team for an institution who is seeking Reaffirmation of Accreditation.
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WORKSHOPS & TRAINING MATERIALS

EVAL 101: Peer Evaluator Orientation and Training Course Content – Seeking Accreditation

A pdf copy of the training content for peer evaluators. The EVAL 101 Seeking Accreditation course prepares new volunteers who will serve on a review team and conduct a Seeking Accreditation Visit.
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WORKSHOPS & TRAINING MATERIALS

EVAL 101: Peer Evaluator Orientation and Training Course Content – Special Visits

A pdf copy of the training content for peer evaluators. The EVAL 101 Special Visit course prepares new volunteers who will serve on a review team and conduct a Special Visit.
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WEBINAR

For Teams: Preparing for and Participating in a WSCUC Accreditation Review

A webinar for fall 2021 review team members preparing to participate in an accreditation review. Recorded on August 19, 2021.
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