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What is WSCUC?
WASC Senior College & University Commission (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), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), and the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) — reincorporated as separate entities. They now use the same "WASC" acronym but are three separate organizations.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges was formed in 1962 to promote the development and accreditation of higher education in the western region of the United States. Effective 2020, however, the US Department of Education removed the geographic distinction between regional and national accreditors. Now, any institution can approach any formerly regional or national accrediting agency for a review.
The Purpose of WSCUC Accreditation
The WSCUC accreditation process aids institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs and assures the educational community, the general public, and other organizations that an accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness.
CSUSM first received WASC accreditation in 1993. Since then, there have been four reaffirmation visits.
In spring 2016, the campus received WSCUC reaffirmation for 10 years. The next visit is scheduled for spring 2026.
Contact the Dean of Academic Programs or Melissa Simnitt for any accreditation-related questions.
Related Links
- CSUSM Strategic Plan
- Mission, Vision, and Values
- Assessment
- Program Review
- IP&A
- WSCUC