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WSCUC

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is an institutional accrediting body responsible for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of higher education institutions primarily in California, Hawaii, and other Pacific regions. WSCUC accreditation serves as a mark of institutional credibility and ensures that accredited institutions meet rigorous standards in areas such as governance, student learning, faculty qualifications, and financial stability.

WSCUC’s mission is to promote continuous institutional improvement and accountability in education, helping institutions develop robust academic programs and effective processes. The accreditation process involves self-study reports, peer reviews, and site visits, which assess not only academic programs but also institutional structures, resources, and outcomes. Accreditation from WSCUC is essential for institutions to qualify for federal funding and financial aid programs, maintaining the trust of students, parents, and the broader public.

CUSM aims to use the reaffirmation process to highlight and enhance ongoing efforts to improve our educational effectiveness. A successful process requires a high level of cooperation and collaboration among students, faculty, and administrators.

The current WSCUC reaffirmation of accreditation process includes:

  1. Preparation of an Institutional Report (IR), which describes the institution’s process of gathering data and reflecting on its current functioning under the WSCUC 2023 Handbook of Accreditation.
  2. An Offsite Review (OSR) during which a team appointed by WSCUC convenes to evaluate the institution and its compliance with the Standards.
  3. An Accreditation Visit (AV), during which the evaluation team meets with campus representatives to address interests pertaining to compliance and improvement.
  4. Following this visit, the evaluation team finalizes its report and forwards it to WSCUC for action.