How to Become Accredited by WASC
The Commission has established formal procedures by which institutions can move through the required stages that lead to accreditation. These stages include:
- Eligibility
- Candidacy
- Initial Accreditation
Each stage has specific criteria, processes, and time frames. An institution starting the procedures for seeking accreditation should carefully consider the requirements for each step to ensure its understanding of the process and be aware that the time frame for the entire process may take four to eight years, depending on the level of institutional development.
Eligibility applications are peer-reviewed by the Eligibility Review Committee (ERC).
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must now be submitted electronically via LiveText. In order to submit an application, you will need to obtain a LiveText username and password. Please contact Sharyl McGrew, Accreditation Resources Manager, at smcgrew [at] wascsenior [dot] org or (510) 748-9001 x312 for more information.
Appeal Process
If an institution’s proposal or report is not accepted by a panel of a committee, the institution may ask the panel to reconsider its decision, by way of a written communication sent within 30 days of the decision being communicated to the institution. The institution’s communication should contain relevant information and the basis or bases for the requested reconsideration. The panel that reviewed the institution’s report or proposal will review the request and make a decision within 30 days of the date of the request, which decision will be communicated promptly to the institution. If the panel does not reverse its initial decision, the institution may ask the Executive Committee of the Commission to reconsider the matter by way of a written communication in writing within 30 days of the date when the panel’s denial of the request for reconsideration is communicated. The Executive Committee will consider the request within 60 days of receipt and will communicate its decision promptly. The Executive Committee’s decision is final.
Resources for Institutions Seeking Eligibility
Outlines the three stages toward reaching Accreditation and provides specific instructions for applying for Eligibility
Guide to Submitting Your WASC Eligibility Application
Step-by-step guide to creating and submitting your Eligibility application via LiveText
Notification of Intent to Apply for Accreditation
Complete this form and mail it in with your Eligibility application fee to begin the process. See the Dues and Fees Schedule below for the appropriate fee.
2008 Handbook of Accreditation
Includes updated Standards and Institutional Review Process.
Summary Data Form for Candidate and Eligible Institutions
Required data form to be submitted with the Eligibility Application
Eligibility Review Panel Scoresheet
Evaluation sheet used by the Eligibility Review Committee to score Eligibility applications
Pathway B Self-Study Guidelines
Guidelines for institutions on seeking Initial Accreditation on Pathway B to conduct the self-study.