In late November, WSCUC proposed a refinement to its Standards related to diversity, equity and inclusion to provide greater clarity for member institutions. The Commission’s goal in raising the possibility of this refinement was to strengthen the Standards and help move institutions from a commitment to concepts toward measurable action and results. Feedback from WSCUC’s membership and interested organizations made clear that a deeper examination of any change would be necessary. Therefore, the institutional “commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion” will remain in all the Standards. Learn more.
Dear WSCUC Community,
I was attracted to WSCUC seven years ago by a position announcement that led with “a passion for student success.” That is my purpose and WSCUC’s.
… I find myself turning lately to the philosophy of Peanuts and Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying good-bye so hard.”
The Commission appointed Dr. Christopher Oberg, WSCUC Executive Vice President, to serve as interim president from December 19, 2024, until a new President takes office. Dr. Oberg has been with WSCUC since 2012, and previously served in leadership roles at private nonprofit higher education institutions. He holds a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University, where he taught higher education administration.
As demand for more affordable and efficient degree pathways grows, WSCUC has opened its substantive change process for member institutions to propose condensed program designs, sometimes referred to as reduced-credit or three-year programs, requiring fewer credits than traditional models. Learn more.
The WSCUC Nominating Committee invites nominations, including self-nominations, for Commissioner terms that will begin July 1, 2025. WSCUC Commissioners play crucial roles in furthering excellence, equity, and engagement in higher education and promoting student success through their policy and institutional decisions. Nominations are welcome through January 20, 2025 (extended). Learn more.
WSCUC furthered its commitment to student success with the creation of the Student Outcomes Overview (SOO) tool. Introduced in the fall, the SOO highlights key outcomes metrics – completion rates, post-graduation debt and earnings – alongside peer and national benchmarks. Learn more.
At its meeting on November 8, 2024, the Commission approved four policies and retired one policy. Learn more.
Amy Wallace joined the agency as vice president, effective December 2, 2024. Wallace brings extensive experience in accreditation, having served as ALO at two California State University campuses for a combined 14 years. Learn more.
Post-Election Outlook: What to Watch in Higher Education welcomed Vice President for Public Policy and Executive Director of Lumina Foundation’s Washington DC office Michelle Asha Cooper and ACE President Ted Mitchell. Learn more.
WSCUC decided not to pursue continued recognition by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a voluntary non-profit organization of higher education institutions. Recognition by CHEA is independent of recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. This decision has no impact on WSCUC’s federal recognition as an accrediting agency and does not affect the accreditation or other status of WSCUC-accredited institutions. Learn more.
Table of Contents Letter from the President WSCUC Adds New Commissioners, Thanks Departing Commission Members 2023 Standards to Take Effect This Fall Commission Policy Changes WSCUC to Welcome New Vice President – Chief Learning Officer Rising Leaders Gather for WSCUC’s...Read More
Read MoreTable of Contents President’s Message KID Economic Outcomes Metrics WSCUC Seeks VP – Chief Learning Officer WSCUC Hosts Events for Institutional Leaders Commission Policy Changes WSCUC Commission Calendar President’s Message Greetings, colleagues. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or blooming where...Read More
Read MoreTable of Contents Important Message from WSCUC Chair and President President’s Letter: It’s All Connected to Student Success Seeking Nominations for WSCUC Commission by December 31 Educational Programming Update Commission Policy Changes & Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Changes WSCUC Commission...Read More
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