Monday, July 22, 2019

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has reaffirmed Pitzer College’s accreditation for eight years

Dear Pitzer College Community,

I am delighted to inform you that WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has reaffirmed Pitzer College’s accreditation for eight (8) years. This result is a significant vote of confidence in our mission, vision, values and innovative practices in service to our students, their families and the public good.

The WSCUC commended Pitzer in particular for the following:

  1. Strong commitment to teaching excellence and student learning.
  2. Clear educational objectives that embody Pitzer’s mission, values and guiding principles.
  3. Highly attractive and well-maintained campus, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to sustainability.
  4. Remarkable rise in national reputation and image.
  5. Strategic integration with the Claremont Colleges Consortium.
  6. Exemplary retention, persistence and graduation rates.
  7. Extensive inclusion of students in shared governance.
  8. Recruitment by the President of a highly qualified and experienced Cabinet.
  9. Inclusive strategic planning process that was informed by self-study.

Pitzer has been a WSCUC (formerly WASC) accredited institution since 1965. WASC Senior College and University Commission is a regional accrediting agency serving public and private higher education institutions throughout California, Hawaii and the Pacific as well as a limited number of institutions outside the US. The Commission encourages continual institutional improvement and assures the membership and its constituencies, including the public, that accredited institutions are fulfilling their missions in service to their students and the public good.

You can read the WSCUC formal notification and official record of action at: https://www.pitzer.edu/institutional-research/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2019/07/2019-07-12-CAL_190712_PitzC_AV.pdf

The important process of strengthening Pitzer’s programs and fostering student success will continue in fall 2019 through contributions from faculty and staff to upcoming program reviews. 

This reaccreditation process involved nearly every office, numerous faculty, staff and community members. In particular, I’d like to thank the senior leadership team; Nigel Boyle, former DOF; Marco Antonio Cruz, accreditation liaison officer; Melinda Herrold-Menzies, WSCUC Steering Committee chair and every member of the committee for their years-long commitment to this successful reaccreditation.

Thanks to all for helping to secure Pitzer’s future.

Melvin L. Oliver President