This page features the protocols and processes that define our work with all postsecondary institutions that are affiliated with WASC. The information listed below should be helpful as schools seek ways to improve the quality of the educational programs they offer to their students. The WASC self-study process is a powerful tool for schools to use as they endeavor to serve students and staff more effectively.

Postsecondary institutions that meet the WASC Conditions of Eligibility, successfully complete the full self-study process, and receive a term of accreditation from the Commission may be eligible to apply for federal Title IV student financial aid.

After reviewing the WASC Conditions of Eligibility, interested institutions should complete the Request for WASC Affiliation form and return the completed form to the WASC Burlingame office. A $150.00 application fee is required and should accompany the completed Request for WASC Affiliation form.

Please note that Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC does not accredit for-profit or distance learning postsecondary non-degree granting institutions. The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, WASC colleges and universities accredits institutions offering the baccalaureate degree and above. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, WASC accredits associate degree granting institutions.

Application Fee Policy:

• A $150.00 application fee is required and should be submitted with the completed Request for WASC Affiliation form.
• If the institution withdraws from the application process, the $150.00 fee is nonrefundable.
• If the institution reapplies or postpones the visit to another academic year, an additional $150.00 fee is required.
• If WASC determines that the institution is not eligible for affiliation with WASC, the $150.00 fee will be refunded.

If it is determined that the institution may be eligible for affiliation with WASC, a Postsecondary Institution Candidacy Application template will be sent for completion that correlates with the following manual:

On receipt of the forms and approval to proceed, the Executive Director will arrange for a two-member, one-day visit to the school. Following the visit, the visiting committee will prepare a report to present to the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools for action.

The institution will be notified by the Executive Director of the Commission's action. If the Commission's action is favorable, the institution may be granted Candidate for Accreditation status for a term not to exceed three years. It is expected that the institution will complete a self-study for full accreditation during the third year. A full term of accreditation may be granted as a result of a full self-study completed during the candidacy term.

Please contact the WASC Temecula Office at 951 693-2550 or mailsocal@wasc.org for further information.

• Guide to Evaluating Postsecondary Institutions
  

  Note: This document is formatted to be printed as a double-sided document. It can also be printed single-sided; however, please be aware that there will be a number of unnecessary blank pages in the single-sided output.

• Postsecondary Self-Study Report Layout
• Postsecondary Self-Study Report Template

Two additional documents are to be used in the self-study process that provides elaboration on procedures, policies, and other pertinent information.

• Accreditation Procedure and Policy Handbook
• Accreditation Reference Manual for Team Evaluators and Institutions

WASC policies regarding the ongoing monitoring of postsecondary institutions are contained in Ongoing Monitoring Process for Postsecondary Institutions. Postsecondary institutions are to submit annual reports to the WASC Temecula office by September 15 of each year.

Institutions participate in a comprehensive self-study and on-site visit when first affiliating with WASC and every six years thereafter. If, as a result of the self-study and subsequent on-site visit, it is determined by WASC that the institution is not meeting WASC standards, there may be additional reports and on-site visits to monitor the institution's progress in correcting issues that have been identified. A full explanation of the additional monitoring procedures is listed in the Ongoing Monitoring Process for Postsecondary Institutions

Major changes that occur at an institution are to be reported to WASC on the Substantive Change Explanation Form. Please refer to the WASC Substantive Change Policy for full information.

• Postsecondary Substantive Change Manual