Requirements for Institutional Websites

WSCUC’s 2023 Standards of Accreditation set the expectation that institutions operate with integrity and transparency. Certain WSCUC Standards and policies, along with federal regulations, call for specific information to be made available publicly. This guide is intended to help institutions understand what information is required to be publicly available and easily accessible on their websites. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all federal requirements for colleges and universities. See additional resources below for further guidance.

Required information for institutional websites:

Institutional mission

Standard 1, CFR 1.1 The institution has a published mission statement.

Credit hour policy

WSCUC Compliance with Federal Requirements Checklist and WSCUC Credit Hour policy: Institution’s policy needs to be easily accessible.

Transfer credit policy, criteria, articulation agreements

Required in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulation 668.43(a)(11): transfer policy needs to be publicly disclosed; must include criteria regarding transfer of credit and a list of institutions with which it has established an articulation agreement.

Student complaints/grievance policy or procedures

WSCUC Compliance with Federal Requirements Checklist: Institution’s policy needs to be easily accessible.

Retention and graduation rates (however the institution wishes to present this information)

Standard 2, CFR 2.10: The institution demonstrates that students make reasonable progress toward and complete their degrees in a timely manner.

Evidence of student learning outcomes (however the institution wishes to present this information)

Standard 2, CFR 2.9: The institution demonstrates that graduates consistently achieve stated learning outcomes and standards of performance.

Net price calculator

Required in accordance with Higher Education Opportunity Act Section 111: schools that receive Title IV funds publicly share a net price calculator to help current and prospective students estimate their individual net price at that school as well as other financial aid information.

Description of WSCUC accreditation status

Visit page: Describing WSCUC and Accreditation Status: Requirements and Guidance

Additional Resources

Higher Education Compliance Alliance matrix – centralized repository of information and resources for compliance with federal laws and regulations
WSCUC 2023 Handbook of Accreditation
WSCUC Policies