The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. The accrediting activities of WASC are conducted by three Commissions, each working with a different segment of education. The Commission working with UC Merced is the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities:
http://www.wascsenior.org/wasc/
WASC is ..." an institutional accreditation body, emphasizing academic quality and educational effectiveness. It accredits institutions rather than individual programs, including all institutional operations wherever located. In so doing, it reviews evidence of the institution's capacity to achieve educational effectiveness --- structures, processes, resources, procedures, and outcomes --- as well as evidence of the academic quality of educational programs within the institution." (p.1, How to Become Accredited: Procedures Manual for Eligibility, Candidacy, and Initial Accreditation)
The WASC regional accreditation process is a multi-year endeavor that includes applying for eligibility, applying for candidacy, submitting Preparatory and Educational Effectiveness reports, and undergoing WASC site visits. There are several reasons accreditation is important besides assurance of quality and adherence to academic standards. Accreditation determines a school's eligibility for participation in federal (Title IV) and state financial aid programs. Accreditation also is important for the acceptance and transfer of college credit, and is a prerequisite for many graduate programs. Generally, college credits or degrees received at a regionally accredited institution are accepted by other regionally accredited colleges or universities.
The accreditation process does not end, however, once initial accreditation is approved. Accreditation, once granted, is subject to periodic review and to conditions as determined by the Commission. Every accredited institution files an annual report, is visited at least once every ten years, and undergoes a comprehensive self review and evaluation at least every ten years. Initial accreditation, as a matter of Commission policy, requires institutional self review and peer evaluation no more than five years after the date of the Commission action granting such status (p.11, WASC Handbook of Accreditation/2001).
WASC Web site
Contact information:
985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 748-9001
WASC Documents
