WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) Accreditation

What is WSCUC?

WSCUC(opens in new window) is the acronym for the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Senior College and University Commission, one of six regional organizations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. WSCUC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA(opens in new window)) which affirms that WSCUC standards and processes are consistent with CHEA's academic quality, improvement and accountability expectations.

WSCUC was formally created in 2012-13 when three education commissions under the umbrella of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) – Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (ACSCU(opens in new window)), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC(opens in new window)), and the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS(opens in new window)) — reincorporated as separate entities. They now use the same ‘WASC’ acronym but are three separate 501(c)(3) organizations with independent scopes and governance structures.

Chico State has been WSCUC/WASC accredited since 1954.

Accreditation Status

Chico State was last accredited by WSCUC in July 2019. WSCUC reviewed materials provided by the University and acted to reaffirm the accreditation of Chico State for a period of eight years.

A Statement of Accreditation Status (opens in new window)is posted on the WSCUC website.

Report Archives

Interim Report Action Summary

(May 2023)

Interim Report

(Feb 2023)

Commission Action Letter

(Nov 2019)

Institutional Report

(Sep 2018)

Additional Information

Select from the topics below:

Standards of Accreditation
Standard 1: Defining Institutional Mission and Acting with Integrity(opens in new window)
The institution defines its mission and establishes educational and student success objectives aligned with that mission. The institution has a clear sense of its essential values, culture, and distinctive elements, and its contributions to society and the public good. It promotes the success of all students and makes explicit its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The institution functions with integrity and transparency.
Standard 2: Achieving Educational Objectives and Student Success(opens in new window)
The institution achieves its educational and student success objectives through the core functions of teaching and learning, and through support for student learning, scholarship, and creative activity. It promotes the success of all students and makes explicit its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The institution demonstrates that core functions are performed effectively by evaluating valid and reliable evidence of learning.
Standard 3: Assuring Resources and Organizational Structures(opens in new window)
The institution achieves its educational and student success objectives through investments in human, physical, fiscal, technology, and information resources within appropriate organizational and decision-making structures, and consistent with its explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Standard 4: Creating an Institution Committed to Quality Assurance and Improvement(opens in new window)
The institution engages in sustained, evidence-based, and participatory reflection about how effectively it is accomplishing its mission, achieving its educational and student success objectives, and realizing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The institution envisions its future in light of the changing environment of higher education. These activities inform both institutional planning and systematic evaluations of educational effectiveness.
Accreditation Process
The WSCUC Standards of Accreditation(opens in new window) provide the foundation for institutional reviews and actions. The Standards articulate broad principles of good practice and are explicated by Criteria for Review (CFR). Together, these elements provide the basis for institutional review and at the same time assure quality and integrity.
WSCUC's Institutional Review Process(opens in new window) (IRP) typically takes two years. The IRP includes conducting a self-study(opens in new window) and producing an Institutional Report(opens in new window) based on the self-study. WSCUC assigns the institution a peer review team that conducts an Offsite Review (OSR) of documents, conducts an Accreditation Visit (AV) at the institution, and then makes a confidential recommendation to the Commission. The Commission acts on the team's confidential recommendation.
Additional information is available from WSCUC's 2023 Handbook of Accreditation(opens in new window).
Reaccreditation Timeline
2019
- Reaffirmed for 8 years.
- Areas of concern:
  - Assessment and program review integration into campus culture
  - Institutional Research, data-driven decision making
  - Support for transfer students and non-traditional learners
  - Interim administrative appointments and transparency of regular reviews
  - Diversify faculty to align demographics with students served
2023
- Interim Report (completed)
- Annual Report (completed)
2026
- Offsite Review, Oct 21 Wed
  - Institutional Report (due Aug 12 Wed)
  - Offsite Review video conference
2027
- Accreditation Visit, February 24-26
  - Submit all requested additional documents after the Offsite Review by January 6
  - On-Site Visit