Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between WASC and WSCUC? 

  The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) was formed in 1962 to
  promote the development of higher education in the Western region when it took
  over and further formalized the work of its predecessor organization, the Western
  College Association. WASC was previously incorporated as a single 510c3 entity
  that encompassed the three commissions (WASC Senior College and University
  Commission, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the
  Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and
  Colleges). 

  In 2012-2013 the three Commissions re-incorporated as separate entities that
  share the same “WASC” acronym but are otherwise separate organizations with
  independent scopes and governance structures. The entity within WASC that
  reaffirms Cal State San Marcos' accreditation is WSCUC – WASC Senior College
  and University Commission. Within the University community, the acronyms
  WSCUC and WASC are often used interchangeably. 

• What are Cal State San Marcos’ Institutional Learning Outcomes?
  Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) are those learning outcomes that are
  expected of every graduate of the institution, both undergraduate and graduate
  and are closely aligned with General Education requirements.
• How can I get more information about the WSCUC Standards and Criteria forReview?

  Standards of Accreditation are the principles used as a basis for judgment in
  accreditation reviews. WSCUC has four Standards (updated in 2022) which are
  used as a basis for evaluation in accreditation reviews: 

  •   Standard 1: Defining Institutional Mission and Acting with Integrity
  • Standard 2: Achieving Educational Objectives and Student Success 
  • Standard 3: Assuring Resources and Organizational Structures 
  • Standard 4: Creating an Institution Committed to Quality Assurance and
    Improvement 

  Criteria for Review (CFR) are more specific than the four Standards of
  Accreditation and are intended to define and explain the Standards. Substantial
  compliance with both the Standards and Criteria for Review is required for
  reaffirmation and guides the institution in assessing institutional performance,
  identifying areas needing improvement, and making improvements on an ongoing
  basis. WSCUC evaluation results from an institutional site visit form the basis for
  the WSCUC’s Commission decision about an institution’s accreditation status. 

  Review the new WSCUC Standards and Criteria finalized in November, 2022.

• What happens after the WSCUC site visit in April 2026?
  After the site visit in spring of 2026, the WSCUC team members will prepare and
  send the University a report on the visit and on our Institutional Report. The
  campus will have the opportunity to submit a response via President Neufeldt.
  Next, WSCUC will send an action letter to President Neufeldt and the University's
  Accreditation Liaison Officer. The action letter will then be distributed to the
  campus community along with next steps the university community will take to
  implement these action items. WSCUC will also publish the action letter and team
  report on its website.