• Evidence and Data

WSCUC's Approach to Evidence and Data

Data GraphicWSCUC is developing pathways for strengthening the use of evidence and outcomes to drive equitable student success through institutional quality and improvement as part of a significant leadership initiative, “Better Conversations, Better Data,” funded by Lumina Foundation. This evidence and improvement initiative complements WSCUC’s two other Goals, equity and inclusion and national and global reach.

The work at its core standardizes institutional data used as part of the accreditation review, introduces accreditation process improvements, and provides a training agenda that fosters the effective use of data for all participants in the accreditation process – institutions, peer reviewers, commissioners, and staff liaisons.

Key Indicators Dashboard (KID)

KID GraphicKID is an interactive data visualization available to the public that presents detailed trend and comparative information on WSCUC accredited undergraduate institutions in a clear, easy to use format. KID displays information from federal data sets to present multiple years of metrics, trend data, and comparisons based on both national and WSCUC averages. KID provides integrated, accessible data on institution size and context, student completion, student finances, institution finances, and post-graduation outcomes. KID was developed through a WSCUC initiative called “Better Conversations, Better Data,” funded by Lumina Foundation, to support evidence-based practices in accreditation. Components of the work include standardizing institutional data used during accreditation review, introducing accreditation process improvements, and providing training in the effective use of data for all participants in the accreditation process — institutions, peer reviewers, commissioners, and staff liaisons.

Access KID

Highlights of WSCUC’s commitment to “Better Conversations, Better Data”

  • Enhancing the universe, presentation, and understanding of core outcome data that prompt relevant and engaging conversations between institutions and evaluators about information in the context of trends and peer benchmarks
  • Increasing institutional and evaluator understanding, quality, and depth of discussion around common metrics
  • Tracking and evaluating new metrics that will support constructive conversations and timely and relevant understanding of institutions and student outcomes
  • Implementing approaches to understanding institutional context by emphasizing how various demographic, social, and environmental factors contribute to outcomes
  • Integrating clear presentations of how to use key data for institutional and evaluator discovery through new and revised accreditation training materials

Where to Find Data on WSCUC Institutions

We invite you to explore publicly collected, standardized data about WSCUC-accredited institutions. The following federal websites provide user-friendly access to comprehensive national data on higher education institutions, from operations and finance to student success and post-graduation outcomes.

You can also learn about colleges and universities from the peer review team reports and full commission action letters posted on our website in the directory of institutions. WSCUC promotes transparency by being one of the few accreditors that publishes these important records of institutional review and actions. WSCUC is currently expanding the ways it uses evidence and data in those accreditation reviews for accountability, improvement and beyond.

College Navigator

Department of Education consumer information tool.
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

College Scorecard

The College Scorecard provides information through an interactive tool.  Each Scorecard includes five key pieces of data about a college: costs, graduation rate, loan default rate, average amount borrowed, and employment.
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov

Integrated Postsecondary Education System Data (IPEDS)

Allows access to standardized federally reported data through a variety of tools and download functions.
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data

Federal Student Aid (FSA) Cohort Default Rates

A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school’s borrowers who enter repayment on federal student loans and default prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.
https://www2.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/defaultmanagement/cdr.html

Federal Student Aid (FSA) Heightened Cash Monitoring

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) may place institutions on a Heightened Cash Monitoring (HCM) payment method to provide additional oversight of cash management. Heightened Cash Monitoring is a step that FSA can take with institutions to provide additional oversight for financial or federal compliance issues, some of which may be serious and others that may be less troublesome.
https://studentaid.gov/data-center/school/hcm

Data & Reporting Resources

You can refine your search by resource type or keyword. As you update the criteria the resources below will adjust automatically. To explore all resources use the main Resource Library page.

FEATURED | HANDBOOK

2013 Handbook of Accreditation

The 2013 Handbook is designed to serve several purposes: to present the Commission’s Core Commitments and Standards of Accreditation; to guide institutions through the institutional review process; and to assist review teams at each stage of review.

FEATURED | HANDBOOK

2023 Handbook of Accreditation

The WSCUC 2023 Handbook provides information on the 2023 Standards, the Institutional Review Process for Reaffirmation, the Thematic Pathway for Reaffirmation (TPR), and Commission Decisions.

FEATURED | PROCESS

Accreditation Management Portal (AMP) Login

Member institutions log in to the Accreditation Management Portal (AMP) to submit their 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

FEATURED | GUIDES & MANUALS

Becoming Accredited

This page provides information and resources for institutions interested in seeking WSCUC accreditation.

FEATURED | PROCESS

Evidence and Data

This page provides access to data on WSCUC accredited institutions, information about WSCUC data initiatives such as peer benchmarking, and highlights of WSCUC’s “Better Conversations, Better Data” initiative.

FEATURED | PROCESS

Key Indicators Dashboard

The Key Indicators Dashboard (KID) presents detailed trend and comparative information on WSCUC’s accredited undergraduate and graduate institutions in a clear, easy to use format. KID displays from federal data sets to present multiple years of metrics, trend data, and comparisons based on both national and WSCUC averages. KID provides integrated, accessible data on institution size and context, student completion, student finances, institution finances, and post-graduation outcomes.

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.

FEATURED | PROCESS

Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) Login

The Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) is for Peer Reviewers 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 reviewer history via My Teams; and access the Key Indicators Dashboard (KID).

FEATURED | PROCESS

WSCUC’s Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

The Commission approved a bold, new statement on Equity and Inclusion at its June 25, 2021 meeting. Learn more about this statement and about Equity and Inclusion at WSCUC, including current policies, resources, activities, and the Commission’s Equity & Inclusion Council.

WEBINAR

2020 ALO Forum – Change and Change Agents

The ALO Forum is an annual event and part of the ARC. The topic, "Change and Change Agents," was presented as a webinar hosted by WSCUC on May 28, 2020. Panelists discussed the impact and changes resulting from present circumstances. Included are links to the webinar recording, notes from forum panel, and the 2020 ALO forum survey feedback.