At its meeting on November 8, 2024, the Commission approved four policies and retired one policy.

 

APPROVED 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. 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. 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 non-educational entity when necessary.

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 with Standards. 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

 

Institutional Relinquishment of Accreditation or Candidacy Policy (new)

This policy outlines the procedures for institutions wishing to relinquish their accreditation or candidacy status, including in the event of closure, merger, or changing accreditors. Institutions must submit a formal notification with a signed letter, board resolution, and relinquishment date to the WSCUC 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, and notify relevant agencies. 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 and Accreditation Policy: Principles and Restrictions (new)

This policy governs WSCUC peer reviewers’ use of artificial intelligence tools during accreditation review processes, focusing on protecting the confidentiality of institutional materials and the integrity of review procedures while allowing careful use of Commission-approved AI tools. The policy requires human oversight in all accreditation decisions and prohibits external AI tools that do not meet rigorous security standards.

AI tools are made available by the Commission to help reviewers organize and summarize large amounts of written material. Given WSCUC’s comprehensive peer review model and potential weaknesses and biases in AI-assisted analysis, these AI tools serve strictly as organizational and support aids rather than evaluative or decision-making instruments. AI tools are not to be used to draw conclusions, conduct independent analysis, or develop initials interpretations of material.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis

RETIRED POLICY

Law Schools in California Policy

The Commission’s Law Schools Work Group, formed in 2021, concluded that WSCUC’s role as an institutional accreditor makes this policy on accrediting law schools redundant. The Work Group recommended, and the Commission concurred, to retire the policy, as it adds no additional value beyond current practices.

Staff contact: Barbara Gross Davis