Dear UWest Community,

The accreditation team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) concluded a three-day visit to validate our institution’s self-study report last Friday.  UWest has been continuously accredited since 2006, and we are, after Friday, well on our way to another multiple-year period of accreditation.

From our perspective, the accreditation site visit was a success.  In their exit meeting, the WSCUC evaluation team offered four commendations to UWest.  We were commended for having:

• A strong mission, vision, and set of values;
• Cohesive administration and leadership who communicate transparently to appropriate stakeholders regarding the health and status of the university and degree program requirements and procedures;
• Graduate programs with a strong and consistent blend of scholarship, contemplation, and practical skills; and
• Staff and faculty who emphasize student support and embody the mission, vision, and values through excellent engagement and personalized service.

In addition, the accreditation team provided six useful recommendations based on WSCUC standards, which will add focus to our efforts going forward.  Some of the recommendations involve using data to support our decision making at all levels, strengthening our budget, implementing adjunct faculty evaluation, and developing workload procedures. 

Please note that the committee’s commendations and recommendations are not final until the full report is considered and acted upon by the WSCUC Commission at its upcoming meeting in late June.

At this time, I want to acknowledge the people who expertly shepherded us through the entire accreditation process. I want to specially thank Chief Student Services Officer, Vanessa Karam, who, in her role as Accreditation Liaison Officer, worked tirelessly to coordinate the institutional report and site visit. We are grateful to our entire academic team led by Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Iwamura; our Institutional Effectiveness Manager, Jessa Forsythe-Crane, along with the invaluable IR Analyst, Dr. Shusaku Horibe; our Chief Financial Officer, Amy Chong, and her team who worked on the budget report. The leadership of the Faculty Senate and the support of the Employee Council also deserve special recognition. None of the accomplishments cited by the accreditation team would be possible without the diligence and care of the IT team, General Services members, and my administrative support, Grace Hsiao.  Finally, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our wonderful UWest students and alumni.

I greatly value your dedication, expertise, and collaboration.

Sincerely,

Minh-Hoa Ta, Ed. D.
President