Western Association of Schools and Colleges - SCU

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC ACSCU) is a regional non-profit program that oversees accreditation of the private and public higher education institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Federate States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Pacific Basin, and East Asia. American and International schools in the Pacific area and Asia may apply for services with WASC ACSCU. The Western Association of Schools was formed in 1962 to support excellence in education. Accreditation by this organization ensures that schools offering a baccalaureate or graduate degree provide effective, research-based education to students and follow the WASC ACSCU Accreditation Handbook during their accreditation process and after. This resource for schools was completely rewritten in the year 2000 after extensive research by the Commission and with the collaboration of the higher learning institutions that they accredit. Their goals are to provide accreditation to colleges and universities without placing an undue burden on the institutions themselves.

The evidence of accreditation by WASC ACSCU can be a resource for potential students. Accreditation by WASC ACSCU, or any other regional accreditation organization, is a voluntary process that an institution may seek in order to provide proof of excellence and distinction in the learning community. Accreditation is granted to an institution after an involved review process. A school that is accredited by the WASC ACSCU is proven to be meeting its own missions and goals as well as adhering to the four WASC ACSCU Standards.

The Standards are broad to allow for the accreditation of many different types of institutions. The first standard requires an institution to develop educational objectives and purpose. The second standard governs the core functions of an institution, such as teaching and learning as well as student support, to ensure that these functions support the purpose and educational objectives of the institution. Standard three asks the institution to create and implement resources that will ensure the sustainability of the institutions goals and objectives. The fourth standard requires an institution to create an organization that is responsible for assessing the educational effectiveness of the program through discussions that will inform future instruction and determine the course of action for the institution.

WASC ACSCU provides a Member Directory detailing the accredited schools and links to school websites and telephone numbers. The Member Directory contains information regarding the date the institution initially received accreditation and what types of action the WASC ACSCU has needed to take with the institution since its accreditation. When a school initiates a new program, after having already been granted accreditation, the WASC ACSCU will review this program to ensure its compliance.

WASC ACSCU also provides educational seminars to its member schools. These seminars cover timely topics to address common issues that the commission has recently addressed with schools. Educational seminars are also voluntary and provide a significant resource to schools and staff.

Accreditation by WASC ACSCU assures the public that an institution of higher learning is maintaining highly effective, quality programs.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Article References

WASC ACSCU Website
http://www.wascsenior.org/Welcome