Accreditation and authorizations

California College of ASU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The purpose of the Commission is to foster excellence in elementary, secondary, adult and postsecondary institutions and supplementary education programs. The Commission encourages school improvement through a process of continuing evaluation and recognizes institutions through granting accreditation to the schools that meet an acceptable level of quality in accordance with the established criteria.

California College of ASU shares the WASC Senior College and University Commission’s commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability in accreditation.

California College of ASU WSCUC Accreditation Status, Documents and Commission Actions

WSCUC Public Disclosure of Accreditation Documents and Commission Actions Policy

Accreditation status

On June 28, 2024, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) voted to issue a Warning to California College of ASU.

A Warning reflects the Commission’s finding that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation. The Commission has determined that California College of ASU is not in compliance with WSCUC Standard 3. Under U.S. Department of Education regulations, when the Commission finds that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation, it is required to notify the institution of these findings and give the institution no longer than two years from the date of this action to correct the deficiencies. It is the responsibility of the Commission to determine, at the end of the sanction period, whether the institution has made the necessary corrections and has come into compliance with Commission Standards.

The accredited status of California College of ASU continues during the Warning period and students’ status within the college is not affected by this sanction.

The Commission’s decision to issue California College of ASU a Warning is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Commission Action Letter dated July 18, 2024. This document is available on the WSCUC website. Anyone who has questions about California College of ASU’s accreditation status should contact Dr. David Carter, Accreditation Liaison Officer at California College of ASU.

On Dec. 11, 2023, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) voted to issue a Warning to California College of ASU.

A Warning reflects the Commission’s finding that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation. The Commission has determined that California College of ASU is not in compliance with WSCUC Standard 3. When the Commission finds that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation, it is required to notify the institution of these findings and give the institution a period of time to correct the deficiencies. Under the Commission’s policies the timeframe may not exceed two years. It is the responsibility of the Commission to determine, at the end of the sanction period, whether the institution has made the necessary corrections and has come into compliance with Commission Standards.

The accredited status California College of ASU continues during the warning period and students’ status within the college is not affected by this sanction.

The Commission’s decision to issue California College of ASU a Warning is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Commission Action Letter dated December 15, 2023. This document is available on the WSCUC website. Anyone who has questions about California College of ASU’s accreditation status should contact David Carter, Accreditation Liaison Officer at California College of ASU.

Questions and comments

We welcome questions and comments from faculty, staff and students about the accreditation status of California College of ASU. All responses are anonymous unless you choose to share your contact information.

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For more information, contact WSCUC at:

WASC Senior College and University Commission
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
(501) 748-9001
wscuc.org

Frequently asked questions

What is WSCUC and what is a Warning?

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides accreditation to institutions of higher education under its purview. On Dec. 11, 2023, WSCUC voted to issue a Warning to California College of ASU. A Warning reflects the Commission’s finding that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation.

Does the Warning impact California College of ASU’s accreditation status?

No. California College of ASU is accredited by WASC and this Warning does not revoke its status as an accredited institution. The Warning provides California College of ASU a timeline to demonstrate improvements before any further action is taken.

Why did WSCUC issue California College of ASU this Warning?

The Commission determined that California College of ASU is not presently in compliance with WSCUC Standard 3, for the following reasons:

Financial strength and stability.
Enrollment planning and growth.
Shared governance.
Facilities.

The full details of Standard 3 can be read in the Commission Action Letter dated Dec. 15, 2023.

These institutional transitions will continue under the Warning, and we anticipate it being revoked as soon as possible.

Does the Warning impact currently enrolled students at California College of ASU, or students planning on enrolling in future terms?

No. Currently enrolled students are not impacted by this decision. Classes and the progress students are making toward a degree will continue, uninterrupted. Students admitted for future terms are also not impacted and can enroll at their intended start date.

It is important for students to note that a Warning is temporary and California College of ASU remains an accredited institution.

How is California College of ASU addressing the issues identified by WSCUC?

California College of ASU is taking the following actions:

A full financial plan is underway to return the institution to financial strength and stability.
A new bachelor’s degree in liberal arts will be offered in fall 2024, which will provide students a more comprehensive liberal arts education with concentrations in filmmaking practices, film and media studies, fashion studies, and digital media studies. Enrollment and marketing plans are underway and actively recruiting students for fall 2024.
A communication plan is being executed between the administration of California College of ASU and its students, faculty and staff to ensure that the principles of shared governance are met.
ASU is continuing to road map a full integration of California College of ASU into the ASU Broadway location in downtown Los Angeles to ensure its sense of belonging as an institutional presence in the ASU California Center.

What is the timeline?

The Commission requires a meeting between the WSCUC staff and representatives of California College of ASU, including the chief executive officer, representatives of the governing board and senior faculty leadership, within 90 days from the date of the Warning letter (Dec. 15, 2023). The purposes of the meeting are to further clarify the reasons for the Commission’s findings and bases for decision, to review the actions taken as of the date of the meeting, and to discuss the institution’s plans for responding to this Commission action.

While an institution is given two years to address the Warning, California College of ASU anticipates having the Warning revoked within months.

How will California College of ASU keep students, faculty and staff informed about next steps and the status of the Warning?

Faculty, staff and students of California College of ASU will receive regular updates via email and in-person meetings. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to check their school email accounts weekly. Additionally, all communications will be posted to the California College of ASU website on the Accreditation page.

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