Western Association of Schools and Colleges

At its meeting on June 17-19, 2009, the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities acted to place Vanguard University of Southern California on Probation. Probation is imposed when an institution has been found to have serious issues of noncompliance with one or more of the Commission Standards. While on Probation, the institution is subject to special scrutiny and any new site or degree program is subject to review through WASC's substantive change process.

The Commission reviewed Vanguard University of Southern California under the WASC 2001 Handbook of Accreditation and found that the University was not in compliance with Standard 3 of the WASC Standards for Accreditation: Developing and Applying Resources and Organizational Structures to Ensure Sustainability.

This action was taken following the institution's Educational Effectiveness Review visit in fall 2008 and a Special Visit to the institution in May 2009. A Special Visit will be scheduled for spring 2010 to evaluate Vanguard University's progress in addressing Commission concerns.

This action is subject to the right of review under the WASC Commission Review Process.

The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities accredits 161 baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of seven regional accrediting commissions and is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

This statement has been reviewed and approved by the institution. The institution's own response to the Commission action may be viewed at:  http://www.vanguard.edu/pr/news/index.aspx?id=25812.

July 2, 2009