What is WSCUC?

WSCUC stands for the WASC Senior College and University Commission. It is the regional accrediting agency that reviews colleges and universities in California and other areas to ensure academic quality, integrity, and effectiveness.

Why is WSCUC accreditation important for Sac State?

Regional accreditation assures students, families, the public, and government agencies that Sacramento State meets established standards for quality and effectiveness. It supports access to federal student financial aid and affirms the value and credibility of Sacramento State degrees.

When is the WSCUC team visiting Sac State?

Sacramento State’s next WSCUC review will take place during the 2026–2027 academic year. An Offsite Review is scheduled for September 17, 2026, followed by an on-campus Accreditation Visit February 17-19, 2027.

What is the purpose of the WSCUC site visit?

The site visit allows a team of external peer reviewers to supplement Sacramento State’s written self-study with what they learn from conversations with students, faculty, staff, and administrators. The team evaluates how well the university meets WSCUC’s Standards of Accreditation and how effectively it supports student learning and success.

What is Sacramento State’s institutional report?

The institutional report (sometimes called the self-study) is Sacramento State’s comprehensive written report to WSCUC. It presents evidence of how the university meets the Standards of Accreditation and reflects on areas such as student learning and assessment, student success, planning, use of data, and institutional resources. Sacramento State will prepare a new institutional report for the 2026–27 review. When it is ready, it will be posted on the WSCUC Reaccreditation web page for the campus community to read.

What are the WSCUC Standards and Criteria for Review (CFRs)?

WSCUC’s Standards of Accreditation and Criteria for Review (CFRs) describe what institutions must demonstrate in areas such as institutional mission and integrity, student learning and success, educational quality, use of resources, and commitment to continuous improvement. Sacramento State’s institutional report and the review team’s evaluation are organized around these Standards and CFRs.

What happens during the WSCUC campus visit?

During the on-campus visit, the review team meets with a variety of campus groups, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and leadership. The team may hold open forums as well as focused meetings on topics such as student success, assessment, program review, and campus climate. These conversations help the team understand Sacramento State’s strengths, challenges, and priorities and provide context for the written materials in the institutional report.

How often does WSCUC accreditation occur?

Accreditation with WSCUC is typically reaffirmed on a cycle of up to 6-10 years. Sacramento State’s accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years in June 2017, following an accreditation visit in April 2017. The upcoming 2026–27 review and visit are part of this regular reaffirmation cycle.

How does accreditation impact students?

Accreditation helps ensure that Sacramento State’s academic programs, student support services, and operations meet standards for quality and effectiveness. For students, this supports ongoing access to federal financial aid, enhances the transferability of credits, and protects the long-term value of their degrees in the eyes of employers, graduate schools, and licensing agencies.

Will students be involved in the site visit?

Yes. Students play an important role in the accreditation process. During the visit, students will be invited to participate in open forums and meetings with the review team. Information about how to get involved will be shared closer to the visit through campus communications and the WSCUC Reaccreditation web page.

What role do faculty play in accreditation?

Faculty are central to demonstrating educational effectiveness. They design and assess academic programs, participate in program review, and contribute to the institutional report. Many faculty members are involved in collecting and using evidence about student learning and in reflecting on how programs can continue to improve.

How are staff involved in the process?

Staff contribute to accreditation by supporting student services, institutional planning, data collection and analysis, and day-to-day operations that affect student learning and success. Staff across campus may help provide evidence for the institutional report and may be invited to meet with the review team during the visit.

Who coordinates Sacramento State’s WSCUC accreditation work?

Accreditation activities are coordinated through the Office of Academic Excellence in the Division of Academic Affairs. The Director os Academic Excellence and Strategic Engagement serves as Sacramento State’s liaison to WSCUC and provides support for academic planning, program review, assessment, and accreditation-related processes.

Will the WSCUC review team provide feedback or recommendations?

Yes. At the end of the visit, the review team typically offers preliminary commendations and recommendations in a verbal exit meeting with campus leadership. After the visit, the team submits a written report to the WSCUC Commission. The Commission then issues a formal Action Letter that confirms the accreditation decision and may include recommendations or requirements for follow-up reports. Sacramento State will share the results with the campus community and develop any needed follow-up plans.

Where can I find information about Sacramento State’s past accreditation

Key WSCUC documents for Sacramento State, including the Sac State Institutional Report, the WSCUC Team report, the WSCUC Commission Action Letter, and progress reports are available on the WSCUC Reaccreditation web page. The site also provides links to WSCUC resources and information about upcoming accreditation events.