This page features the protocols and processes that define our work with all postsecondary school 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.

WASC is pleased to partner with the Council on Occupational Education (COE) for postsecondary schools that either currently receive or plan to receive Title IV funds from the United States Department of Education (USDE). Postsecondary schools that receive Title IV funds must be accredited by an agency that is officially recognized by the USDE. Click here for additional information. Contact COE (www.council.org) for more information.

The Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC does not accredit for-profit 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.

After reviewing the WASC Steps to Candidacy or Initial Accreditation for Postsecondary Schools in the Postsecondary Manual, 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.

Application Fee Policy:

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

If it is determined that the school may be eligible for affiliation with WASC, a Postsecondary School Application template will be sent for completion.

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 school will be notified by the Executive Director of the Commission's action. If the Commission's action is favorable, the school may be granted Initial or Candidate accreditation status for a term not to exceed three years. It is expected that the school 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.

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

• Request for WASC Affiliation
• Postsecondary Accreditation Manual, 2011 Edition
• Postsecondary Initial Visit Rubrics

The following Self-Study materials pertain to schools preparing for a 2012 WASC Self-Study visit.

• Postsecondary Accreditation Manual, 2011 Edition

  Note: This document is formatted to be printed as a double-sided document.

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

Postsecondary schools 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 school is not meeting WASC standards, there may be additional reports and on-site visits to monitor the school's progress in correcting issues that have been identified.

• Six-Year Accreditation
  • Third-Year Progress Report: Procedures
  • On-site Midterm (Mid-cycle) Review required: Procedures | Sample Report | School Progress Report Template
• Three-Year Term Revisits:  Procedures | School Progress Report Template

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.