Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Since March 21, 2011, Bethany University has been in close communication with the office of the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges & Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges about immediate financial challenges. On June 13, 2011, Bethany University informed WASC that it planned to cease operations at the conclusion of the summer session on August 12, 2011. On June 24, 2011, the Commission voted to accept Bethany's request to withdraw accreditation on August 12, 2011 when the summer session ends.

The Executive Committee of the Commission adopted a final version of the Credit Hour Policy on Sept. 2, 2011.  This policy goes into effect immediately.  A copy of the policy is available at the link provided here. Additional resources related to new federal credit hour regulations are also available on the WASC website.

Effective July 1, 2011, all candidate and accredited institutions are required to be in compliance with federal regulations concerning the definition and assignment of credit hours.  In addition, accrediting agencies, including WASC, are required to evaluate compliance as part of comprehensive reviews.  WASC has adopted a policy on the credit hour for circulation to the region.  Comments on the policy are due to WASC by August 30 and the Commission is expected to adopt the fina

In preparation for fall 2011 visits, WASC has posted a variety of reference materials for institutions and teams. If you will be hosting a visit or participating as a team member in fall 2011, please refer to the 'Fall 2011 Visit Tools and Requirements' post on the 'What's New' tab on the WASC website.

At its meeting June 22-24, 2011, the Accrediting Commission took action on 29 institutions.

Since March 21, 2011, Bethany University has been in close communication with the office of the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges & Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges about immediate financial challenges. On June 13, 2011, Bethany University informed WASC that it plans to cease operations at the conclusion of the summer session on August 12, 2011. On June 24, 2011, the Commission voted to accept Bethany's request to withdraw accreditation on August 12, 2011 when the summer session ends. .

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chair of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, has introduced a bill (H.R.

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA - May 18, 2011 – The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is pleased to announce receipt of a three-year grant from the Lumina Foundation, totaling $1.5 million, to further the work already underway to redesign its accreditation process. 

WASC has just released WASC 101, a 70 minute introduction to the accreditation process. For more information, or to view please visit: http://www.wascsenior.org/about/wasc101

WASC is seeking an energetic and experienced Organizational Change Project Manager to work with the president in coordinating and overseeing a multi-dimensional change process - the redesign of the WASC Handbook of Accreditation and institutional review process.   The position is open immediately.