WASC Senior College and University Commission WSCUC

Overview

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Established on July 1, 1962, WSCUC accredits public and private higher education institutions that offer bachelor's degrees and higher. Its jurisdiction primarily encompasses California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands, including Guam, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Additionally, WSCUC accredits a limited number of institutions outside the United States. The commission's mission is to ensure that institutions meet acceptable levels of quality and effectiveness, promoting continuous institutional improvement and assuring the public that accredited institutions fulfill their missions in service to students and the public good.

History and Legal Framework

WSCUC was formally created in 2012-2013 when three education commissions under the umbrella of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)—the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), and the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS)—reincorporated as separate entities. This restructuring allowed each commission to focus more effectively on its specific scope and mission while maintaining shared standards and practices. WSCUC operates as a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, with its headquarters located in Alameda, California.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

WSCUC's mission is to advance quality and equity in higher education through accreditation. The commission's vision is to foster institutions that are committed to student success, continuous improvement, and public accountability. WSCUC's objectives include:

• Evaluating institutions to ensure they meet high standards of quality and effectiveness.
• Encouraging continuous institutional improvement through peer review processes.
• Assuring the public that accredited institutions fulfill their missions in service to students and the public good.
• Promoting institutional accountability and transparency.
• Supporting institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

WSCUC operates under a governance structure that includes a Board of Directors responsible for overseeing the commission's activities and ensuring adherence to its mission and standards. The commission's staff supports the accreditation process, providing guidance and resources to institutions seeking or maintaining accreditation. WSCUC maintains its independence through its nonprofit status and by adhering to standards set by CHEA and the U.S. Department of Education. This independence allows WSCUC to make impartial decisions regarding accreditation and to serve the interests of higher education institutions and the public.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

WSCUC's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of an institution's mission, student learning and success, resources, and planning. The process includes:

• Institutional self-study and preparation of a comprehensive report.
• Peer review by a team of faculty and administrators from other accredited institutions.
• Site visits to assess the institution's operations and effectiveness.
• Review of institutional planning and improvement processes.

Based on the findings, WSCUC makes decisions regarding accreditation status, which may include reaffirmation, probation, or denial of accreditation. The commission also monitors institutions through regular reports and follow-up evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

WSCUC collaborates with other regional and international accrediting bodies to promote quality assurance in higher education globally. These collaborations include:

• Participation in the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).
• Engagement with accrediting agencies in other countries to share best practices and align standards.
• Support for institutions outside the U.S. seeking WSCUC accreditation, particularly those with strong ties to the Pacific region.

Through these partnerships, WSCUC contributes to the global dialogue on higher education quality and supports the international mobility of students and faculty.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

WSCUC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in its service areas. Its emphasis on student success, institutional accountability, and continuous improvement influences institutional practices and policies. Looking forward, WSCUC aims to:

• Enhance its accreditation processes to address emerging challenges in higher education.
• Support institutions in adapting to changes in technology, pedagogy, and demographics.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within accredited institutions.
• Foster innovation in teaching, learning, and student support services.

Through these initiatives, WSCUC seeks to ensure that accredited institutions remain responsive to the needs of students and society.

Summary

The WASC Senior College and University Commission is a recognized regional accrediting agency committed to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of higher education institutions. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, WSCUC promotes continuous institutional improvement and accountability, supporting institutions in fulfilling their missions and serving the public good. Its collaborations with other accrediting bodies and engagement with international standards further enhance its impact on higher education globally.

FAQs

• What is WSCUC? WSCUC is a regional accrediting agency that evaluates and accredits public and private higher education institutions offering bachelor's degrees and higher in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands, as well as a limited number of institutions outside the United States.
• When was WSCUC established? WSCUC was established on July 1, 1962, and was formally created in 2012-2013 when three education commissions under the umbrella of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges reincorporated as separate entities.
• What is the purpose of WSCUC accreditation? The purpose of WSCUC accreditation is to ensure that institutions meet acceptable levels of quality and effectiveness, promoting continuous institutional improvement and assuring the public that accredited institutions fulfill their missions in service to students and the public good.
• How does WSCUC evaluate institutions? WSCUC evaluates institutions through a comprehensive process that includes institutional self-study, peer review, site visits, and assessment of mission, student learning and success, resources, and planning.
• Does WSCUC collaborate with other accrediting bodies? Yes, WSCUC collaborates with other regional and international accrediting bodies to promote quality assurance in higher education globally, participating in organizations such as CHEA and INQAAHE.

Organization Name

WASC Senior College and University Commission

Acronym

WSCUC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1962

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

213

Address

985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda
94501 California United States

Phone

+1 (510) 748 9001

Fax

+1 (510) 748 9797

List of universities accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC):

1) Abu Dhabi University
2) Academy for Jewish Religion California
3) Academy of Art University
4) Alder Graduate School of Education
5) Alliant International University
6) American Conservatory Theater
7) American Film Institute
8) American Jewish University
9) American University of Armenia
10) American University of Health Sciences
11) Amity University Uttar Pradesh
12) Anglo-American University
13) Art Center College of Design
14) Ashford University
15) Azusa Pacific University
16) Biola University
17) Brandman University
18) Brigham Young University-Hawaii
19) Cal Northern School of Law
20) California Baptist University
21) California College of the Arts
22) California Health Sciences University
23) California Institute for Human Science
24) California Institute of Advanced Management
25) California Institute of Integral Studies
26) California Institute of Technology
27) California Institute of the Arts
28) California Lutheran University
29) California Northstate University
30) California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
31) California Southern University
32) California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
33) California State University Maritime Academy
34) California State University, Bakersfield
35) California State University, Channel Islands
36) California State University, Chico
37) California State University, Dominguez Hills
38) California State University, East Bay
39) California State University, Fresno
40) California State University, Fullerton
41) California State University, Long Beach
42) California State University, Los Angeles
43) California State University, Monterey Bay
44) California State University, Northridge
45) California State University, Sacramento
46) California State University, San Bernardino
47) California State University, San Marcos
48) California State University, Stanislaus
49) California University of Science and Medicine
50) California Western School of Law
51) Cedars Sinai Medical Center
52) CETYS University
53) Chaminade University of Honolulu
54) Chapman University
55) Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
56) Claremont Graduate University
57) Claremont Lincoln University
58) Claremont McKenna College
59) Claremont School of Theology
60) Cogswell University of Silicon Valley
61) Columbia College Hollywood
62) Concordia University Irvine
63) Design Institute of San Diego
64) Dharma Realm Buddhist University
65) Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology
66) Dominican University of California
67) FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
68) Fielding Graduate University
69) Franciscan School of Theology
70) Fresno Pacific University
71) Fuller Theological Seminary
72) Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention
73) Golden Gate University
74) Graduate Theological Union
75) Harvey Mudd College
76) Hawaii Pacific University
77) High Tech High Graduate School of Education
78) Holy Names University
79) Hope International University
80) Humboldt State University
81) Humphreys University
82) Institute of Buddhist Studies
83) International Technological University
84) Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope
85) John F. Kennedy University
86) John Paul the Great Catholic University
87) Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
88) Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences
89) La Sierra University
90) Laguna College of Art and Design
91) Life Chiropractic College West
92) Life Pacific University
93) Lincoln Law School of Sacramento
94) Lincoln University
95) Logos Evangelical Seminary
96) Loma Linda University
97) Los Angeles Pacific University
98) Loyola Marymount University
99) Marshall B. Ketchum University
100) Marymount California University
101) Menlo College
102) Meridian University
103) Mills College
104) Mount Madonna Institute
105) Mount Saint Mary's University
106) National Test Pilot School
107) National University
108) Naval Postgraduate School
109) New York Film Academy
110) NewSchool of Architecture and Design
111) Northcentral University
112) Northern Marianas College
113) Northwestern Polytechnic University
114) Notre Dame de Namur University
115) Oak Valley College
116) Occidental College
117) Otis College of Art and Design
118) Pacific College
119) Pacific College of Health and Science
120) Pacific Oaks College
121) Pacific School of Religion
122) Pacific Union College
123) Pacifica Graduate Institute
124) Palo Alto University
125) Pardee RAND Graduate School
126) Pepperdine University
127) Pitzer College
128) Point Loma Nazarene University
129) Pomona College
130) Presidio Graduate School
131) Providence Christian College
132) Reach Institute for School Leadership
133) Reiss-Davis Graduate School
134) Saint Mary's College of California
135) Samuel Merritt University
136) San Diego Christian College
137) San Diego State University
138) San Francisco Art Institute
139) San Francisco Conservatory of Music
140) San Francisco State University
141) San Joaquin College of Law
142) San Jose State University
143) Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
144) Santa Clara University
145) Saybrook University
146) Scripps College
147) Simpson University
148) Sofia University
149) Soka University of America
150) Sonoma State University
151) Southern California Institute of Architecture
152) Southern California University of Health Sciences
153) St. John's Seminary in California
154) St. Patrick's Seminary and University
155) Stanford University
156) Stanton University
157) Stockton Christian Life College
158) SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary
159) Teachers College of San Joaquin
160) The Broad Center
161) The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
162) The Master's University and Seminary
163) The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law
164) The Scripps Research Institute
165) The University of the South Pacific
166) The Wright Institute
167) Thomas Aquinas College
168) Thomas Jefferson School of Law
169) Touro University California
170) Touro University Worldwide
171) United Arab Emirates University
172) United States International University-Africa
173) United States University
174) Universidad de Las Americas
175) Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas
176) University of Antelope Valley
177) University of California Berkeley
178) University of California Hastings College of the Law
179) University of California San Diego
180) University of California San Francisco
181) University of California, Davis
182) University of California, Irvine
183) University of California, Los Angeles
184) University of California, Merced
185) University of California, Riverside
186) University of California, Santa Barbara
187) University of California, Santa Cruz
188) University of Guam
189) University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu
190) University of Hawai’i at Hilo
191) University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
192) University of Hawai’i Maui College
193) University of La Verne
194) University of Redlands
195) University of Saint Katherine
196) University of San Diego
197) University of San Francisco
198) University of Southern California
199) University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
200) University of the Pacific
201) University of the West
202) University of West Los Angeles
203) Vanguard University of Southern California
204) Weimar Institute
205) West Coast University
206) Westcliff University
207) Western University of Health Sciences
208) Westminster Seminary California
209) Westmont College
210) Whittier College
211) William Jessup University
212) Woodbury University
213) Zaytuna College

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Wikipedia Article

WASC Senior College and University Commission's Wikipedia article

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