The Commission seeks public comments on five policies. Please send comments to policies@wscuc.org by September 20, 2024. The Commission will review and consider all comments for adoption at its November 2024 meeting. The Commission approved policies on complaints and third-party comments and conflict of interest.

 

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON POLICIES

Institutions with Non-Educational Components Policy (revised)

The Institutions with Non-Educational Components Policy, established in 2010, ensures that accreditation applies strictly to the educational aspects of an entity, excluding non-educational functions. Accredited institutions must maintain clear autonomy with independent governance and transparent representation of academic goals, programs, and financials. This policy permits WSCUC to review the finances of the affiliated entity when necessary. The policy was revised to clarify wording and reinforce the integrity and autonomy of the accredited educational entity, maintaining boundaries between educational and non-educational operations.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

 

Related Entities Policy (revised)

The Related Entities Policy, established in 2007, ensures that institutions sharing decision-making with non-accredited entities in areas such as finances and governance provide WSCUC with sufficient documentation to determine compliance. Related entities include corporate parents, system administrations, religious sponsors, but exclude government bodies or other accreditors. Institutions must disclose significant matters involving related entities that impact accreditation, and certification from related entities is required. The policy was revised to combine the policy and the certification form, clarify wording, explain the policy’s scope, and describe the responsibilities of institutions and related entities.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

 

Law Schools in California Policy (to retire)

The Law Schools Work Group, formed in 2021, concluded that WSCUC’s role as an institutional accreditor makes the existing policy on accrediting law schools redundant. WSCUC’s accreditation processes already address the quality and outcomes specific to law schools through monitoring bar pass rates and other metrics. The Work Group recommended, and the Commission concurred, to retire the policy, as it adds no additional value beyond current practices. The Commission is seeking comments on the planned retirement of this policy and solicits feedback on the potential impact of this change.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

 

Institutional Relinquishment of Accreditation or Candidacy Policy (new)

This policy outlines the procedures for institutions wishing to relinquish their accreditation or candidacy status, including closure, merger, or changing accreditors. Institutions must submit a formal notification with a signed letter, board resolution, and relinquishment date to WSCUC’s president 90 days before the intended date. If closing, a teach-out plan is required. Institutions must prioritize student well-being, settle financial obligations, and communicate with stakeholders. WSCUC will issue written acceptance, make a public disclosure, notify authorities, and maintain records. Institutions that have relinquished their status are ineligible for membership for one year and must reapply through the eligibility process.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

 

Artificial Intelligence Limits and Peer Review of Institutional Reports Policy (new)

This policy prohibits the use of external AI tools for analyzing or processing institutional reports during the review process to ensure confidentiality and security. Peer reviewers may not input institutional content into AI tools. WSCUC staff is exploring broader AI use in the review process and will provide an update to the membership at a later time.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

 

APPROVED POLICIES

Complaints and Third-Party Comments Policy (revised)

In a recent letter to the Commission, the U.S. Department of Education indicated that WSCUC was out of compliance with the regulation regarding fair and equitable treatment of complaints. In response, WSCUC revised its policy to remove requirements for supporting material, modify document references, eliminate page length limits, and clarify that complaints will proceed if there is evidence questioning adherence to WSCUC Standards and policies.

Staff contact: Christopher Oberg

 

Conflict of Interest Policy (revised)

In a recent letter to the Commission, the U.S. Department of Education indicated that WSCUC was out of compliance with the regulation related to conflict-of-interest policies and practices. In response, WSCUC revised its policy to include the following sentence: “A Commissioner shall not be the primary respondent to any complaint or third-party comment filed with WSCUC against the Commissioner’s institution.” This does not preclude a Commissioner from participating in a response to a complaint, but the Commissioner cannot be the principal respondent. This change was approved by the Governance Committee

Staff contact: Christopher Oberg